Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells Similarities, Differences: Which Type Do Humans Have

Prokaryotes and eukaryotes have similarities and critical differences. Humans are made of one of these two types of cells.

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic

Prokaryotic cells are the oldest cells, but they lack an appropriate nucleus. These cells are also present in single-cell organisms. The plasma membrane, cytoplasm, DNA, and ribosomes are the four components that these cells have in common. Such a cell lacks the proper internal structure. Nevertheless, the center of the cell contains DNA. The cell wall of bacteria serves as an additional layer of defense. This wall keeps the water from running out and keeps its shape.

Eukaryotic cells are the evolution or prokaryotic. They have proper structures and are larger in size, with better structural organization and functional efficiency. Multiple membrane-bound organelles, which are specialized cellular subunits that perform distinct cellular tasks, are found in eukaryotic cells. The nuclear membrane, also known as the nuclear envelope, covers the nucleus and safeguards the genetic material housed there. Nuclear pores in the nuclear membrane allow specific chemicals to pass through selectively.

Both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells have cell membranes, genetic material, ribosomes and cytoplasm. They both use deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) as the basis for their genetic information.

Meanwhile, the material inside the nucleus is referred to as the nucleoplasm in eukaryotic cells, and the cytoplasm is made up of everything between the plasma membrane and the nuclear envelope, including the organelles. In prokaryotes, the cytoskeleton and genetic material within the plasma membrane are referred to as the cytoplasm.

However, they are distinguishable by their size, arrangement, membrane-bound nucleus, DNA structure, cytoskeleton, division and sexual reproduction. Eukaryotic cells are bigger (10 - 100um) than prokaryotic cells (1 - 10um) and multicellular, while the latter are unicellular.

Also, eukaryotes have a true nucleus, which prokaryotes lack. Before being organized into many chromosomes, eukaryotic DNA is linear and complex with packaging proteins known as "histones." Prokaryotic DNA is circular and neither connected with histones nor structured into chromosomes.

As for cell division, eukaryotic cells go through mitosis and then cytokinesis, which involves several stages. On the other hand, prokaryotes undergo a much simpler process of binary fission. Additionally, eukaryotes undergo sexual reproduction, while prokaryotes reproduce asexually.

Multicellular organisms, including fungi, animals, and plants, are categorized as eukaryotes. Prokaryotic cells make up bacteria and archaea, the other two domains of life. They lack cellular compartments that are membrane-bound, like nuclei.

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Which Type of Cells Do Humans Have?

Every multicellular creature, including humans, plants, and animals, is made up of eukaryotic cells, or cells with membrane-bound structures. Indeed, the human body is made up of billions of eukaryotic cells, each of which has a unique nucleus and other organelles that are membrane-bound.

Together, these cells create tissues and organs. The body contains a variety of eukaryotic cell types, such as neurons, muscle cells, skin cells, etc., that are necessary for the upkeep and operation of the human body.

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Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells Similarities, Differences: Which Type Do Humans Have