Final answer:
Eukaryotic microbes are generally larger than bacteria. Prokaryotic cells (bacteria) are 0.1 to 5.0 um, while eukaryotic cells can range from 10 to 100 um, necessitating specialized adaptations for intracellular transport in the latter.
Step-by-step explanation:
Generally, eukaryotic microbes are indeed larger than bacteria. Prokaryotic cells, which include bacteria, typically measure between 0.1 to 5.0 um in diameter. In contrast, eukaryotic cells have diameters ranging from 10 to 100 µm. Due to their smaller size, prokaryotes have a high surface-to-volume ratio, which allows for efficient diffusion of ions and organic molecules throughout the cell. Wastes produced can also diffuse out quickly. However, eukaryotic cells require additional structural adaptations to expedite intracellular transport due to their larger size.
Unicellular eukaryotes contain nuclei and other organelles and illustrate the vast diversity within the group. Even though there are some smaller unicellular eukaryotes, like yeasts, most eukaryotic microbes are much bigger than prokaryotes. The larger cell size in eukaryotes presents challenges in internal communication and transport, which the cells have adapted to overcome through evolved complexity.