Final answer:
Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus whereas prokaryotes do not. Eukaryotic cells also show greater compartmentalization and have various organelles enclosed within membranes that carry out different functions. Prokaryotic cells, in contrast, lack these complex organelles and have a simpler cell structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus whereas prokaryotes do not. This nucleus in eukaryotes houses the genetic material, or DNA, that controls cellular function. On the other hand, prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and their DNA floats around inside the cell.
Eukaryotic cells also show greater compartmentalization, which allows for greater regulation of gene expression. They have various organelles enclosed within membranes, like the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, that carry out different functions. Prokaryotic cells, on the other hand, lack these complex organelles and generally have a simpler cell structure.
In summary, the major difference between eukaryotes and prokaryotes is the presence of a nucleus in eukaryotic cells and the absence of a nucleus in prokaryotic cells, along with the differences in cell structure and compartmentalization.