Question

prokaryotes and eukaryotes
q. key question how do prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ?
most cells range from 5 to 50 micrometers in diameter. all cells are surrounded by a thin flexible barrier called the cell membrane (also called the plasma membrane). cells fall into two categories, depending on whether they contain a nucleus. the nucleus (plural: nuclei) is a large membrane - enclosed structure that contains genetic material in the form of dna. eukaryotes (yoo kar ee ohts) are cells that have nuclei. prokaryotes (pro kar ee ohts) are cells that do not have nuclei.
prokaryotes prokaryotic cells do not enclose their genetic material within a nucleus. they are generally smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells. bacteria are prokaryotes. prokaryotes carry out all of the activities associated with living things. prokaryotes were the first photosynthetic organisms on earth.
eukaryotes in eukaryotic cells, the nucleus separates the genetic material from the rest of the cell. most eukaryotic cells contain many structures and internal membranes. some eukaryotes are unicellular organisms called protists. others form multicellular organisms—plants, animals, and fungi. in multicellular organisms, cells are specialized and usually work together to perform specific tasks.
visual reading tool: prokaryotes and eukaryotes
read the section on prokaryotes and eukaryotes to identify the similarities and differences of each cell type. use a green pencil to circle similarities, a blue pencil to circle prokaryotic cell characteristics, and a red pencil to circle eukaryotic cell characteristics. then complete the table below.

	prokaryotic cell	eukaryotic cell
nucleus
cell size	smaller
complexity
example of organism with this cell type

Explanation:

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus, are generally smaller and simpler, with bacteria as an example. Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, can be unicellular (like protists) or form multicellular organisms (plants, animals, fungi). Both have cell - membranes. Prokaryotic cells are smaller in size and less complex.

Answer:

	Prokaryotic Cell	Eukaryotic Cell
Nucleus	no	yes
Cell size	smaller	larger
Complexity	simpler	more complex
Example of organism with this cell type	bacteria	plants, animals, fungi, protists