Eukaryotes and prokaryotes, what’s the difference?

Many people have asked us here at Simply Cells what the difference is between eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Here’s a quick breakdown that will hopefully answer your question. 

Examples of Prokaryotes: Bacteria

Examples of Eukaryotes: Protists, Plants, Animals, Fungus

Nucleus?

Prokaryotes - No

Eukaryotes - Yes

Cell Wall (in plant cells, protects and supports the cell) / Plasma Membrane (surrounds all cells; regulates what materials enter and leave the cell)? 

Prokaryotes - Yes

Eukaryotes - Yes

Ribosomes?

Prokaryotes - Yes

Eukaryotes - Yes

Other organelles?

Prokaryotes - No

Eukaryotes - Yes

Cytosol (fluid in-between organelles)?

Prokaryotes - Yes

Eukaryotes - Yes

Cilia or Flagella?

Prokaryotes - Yes

Eukaryotes - Yes

DNA?

Prokaryotes - Yes; single loop in nucleoid

Eukaryotes - Yes; in nucleus

Cell specialization?

Prokaryotes - No

Eukaryotes - Yes if multicelled

We hope this helped answer your question! 

~Simply Cells~