Question

Which of the following statements accurately compares and contrasts eukaryotes and prokaryotes?

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Answered by GPT-4o mini
To accurately compare and contrast eukaryotes and prokaryotes, here are key statements that highlight their differences and similarities:

### Comparison of Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes:

1. **Cell Structure**:
- **Eukaryotes**: Have a complex cellular structure with membrane-bound organelles, including a nucleus that houses genetic material.
- **Prokaryotes**: Generally have a simpler structure without membrane-bound organelles, and their genetic material is not enclosed within a nucleus.

2. **Size**:
- **Eukaryotes**: Typically larger in size, usually ranging from 10 to 100 micrometers.
- **Prokaryotes**: Generally smaller, usually around 0.1 to 5 micrometers in size.

3. **Genetic Material**:
- **Eukaryotes**: Contain linear DNA organized into chromosomes, with multiple copies located within the nucleus.
- **Prokaryotes**: Contain circular DNA that is not associated with histones and typically exists as a single chromosome.

4. **Reproduction**:
- **Eukaryotes**: Can reproduce both asexually (e.g., mitosis) and sexually (e.g., meiosis).
- **Prokaryotes**: Reproduce asexually primarily through binary fission.

5. **Ribosomes**:
- **Eukaryotes**: Have larger ribosomes (80S) made of 60S and 40S subunits.
- **Prokaryotes**: Possess smaller ribosomes (70S) made of 50S and 30S subunits.

6. **Cell Wall**:
- **Eukaryotes**: Not all eukaryotes have a cell wall; when present (e.g., in plants and fungi), it's made of cellulose (plants) or chitin (fungi).
- **Prokaryotes**: Most have a rigid cell wall primarily made of peptidoglycan.

7. **Examples**:
- **Eukaryotes**: Include organisms such as animals, plants, fungi, and protists.
- **Prokaryotes**: Primarily consist of bacteria and archaea.

### Similarities:
- Both eukaryotes and prokaryotes share fundamental biological processes, including DNA replication, protein synthesis, and metabolic pathways.
- Both types of cells can carry out essential life processes, such as energy production and response to environmental stimuli.

These statements provide a concise yet comprehensive comparison of eukaryotes and prokaryotes, highlighting their primary differences as well as key similarities.

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