How do prokaryotic cells differ from eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the absence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, which is a fundamental distinction between them and eukaryotic cells. In prokaryotes, the genetic material is located in a region called the nucleoid, rather than being enclosed within a membrane-bound nucleus. Additionally, they typically have simpler structures and lack the variety of organelles found in eukaryotic cells, such as the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and mitochondria. This fundamental difference is key to understanding the organizational complexity of cells and how it relates to their functions in biological systems.

While eukaryotic cells, which include organisms like plants, animals, and fungi, possess a more complex structure with various organelles that carry out specialized functions, prokaryotic cells, found in bacteria and archaea, are generally more simplistic. This distinction creates significant differences in cell function, replication, and overall biological processes.