One difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes is that

Question

nucleic acids are rarely found only in eukaryotes mitochondria are found in larger quantities in prokaryotes ribosomes are found only in eukaryotes.

prokaryotes do not have a nucleus.

Answer 1

The primary distinction between prokaryotes and eukaryotes is that prokaryotes do not have a nucleus, whereas eukaryotes do. Additionally, eukaryotes typically possess membrane-bound organelles, including mitochondria, while prokaryotes lack these structures.

Here’s a summary of the key differences:

1. Nucleus: Prokaryotes do not have a true nucleus; their genetic material is located in the nucleoid region. Eukaryotes have a well-defined nucleus that houses their DNA.

2. Organelles: Eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles (such as mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum), while prokaryotes do not possess such organelles.

3. Size: Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller and simpler in structure compared to eukaryotic cells.

4. Ribosomes: Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have ribosomes, but the size and structure of these ribosomes differ. Prokaryotic ribosomes are 70S, while eukaryotic ribosomes are 80S.

5. Genetic Material: Prokaryotic DNA is typically circular and not associated with histones (though some archaea do have histone-like proteins), while eukaryotic DNA is linear and associated with histones.

In summary, the presence or absence of a true nucleus is a fundamental difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.