Final answer:
Prokaryotic cells' genetic material is circular and not associated with histones, with the DNA located in the nucleoid region. They also contain plasmids and have fewer genes compared to eukaryotic cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prokaryotic cells differ significantly from eukaryotic cells in that they lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles. Instead, the genetic material in prokaryotic cells is present as a single large circular chromosome that coils up on itself within the cell. This DNA is found in an area of the cell called the nucleoid region, which serves a similar purpose to the nucleus of eukaryotic cells but is not enclosed by a membrane.
In contrast to eukaryotic cells that have multiple, linear chromosomes organized around histone proteins, prokaryotic chromosomes are not associated with histones. Additionally, prokaryotic cells often harbor plasmids, which are smaller circular DNA molecules that may carry only a few genes and can be transferred independently during cell division.
The lack of complexity in prokaryotic cell structure reflects in their gene count as well. Prokaryotic cells typically have fewer genes compared to the vast number of genes found within the multiple chromosomes of eukaryotic cells. This simplified genomic architecture is associated with their smaller size and less complex cellular processes.