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Nov 5, 2023

Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes SIMPLIFIED

Updated: Nov 8, 2023

Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes SIMPLIFIED

I want to resolve 6 important misconceptions on this topic:


  • Eukaryotes can be either unicellular (e.g. protists) or multicellular (not just multicellular) whereas prokaryotes are always unicellular

  • Protists are mostly unicellular eukaryotes that are neither animals, plants, nor fungi

  • Eukaryotes have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles while prokaryotes have neither


source: Biology Dictionary

  • Prokaryotes DO HAVE DNA free-floating in the cytoplasm whereas eukaryotes have DNA housed inside the nucleus

  • Prokaryotes generally have a single circular chromosome and may also have several pieces of smaller circular DNA known as plasmids


source: Genetic Education

  • All bacteria are prokaryotes, but not all prokaryotes are bacteria (as there is also another domain called Archaea)


source: Inspirit


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