What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells are distinguished by their lack of a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, which is a fundamental characteristic that sets them apart from eukaryotic cells. In prokaryotic cells, the genetic material, typically a single circular strand of DNA, is located in a region called the nucleoid, rather than being enclosed within a nuclear envelope. Additionally, prokaryotic cells are typically smaller and simpler in structure compared to eukaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic cells, on the other hand, possess a true nucleus where the DNA is housed and are equipped with various membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, allowing for compartmentalization of cellular processes. This complexity in eukaryotic cells supports a wide range of functions and is integral for multicellular life forms as well as many unicellular organisms.

Understanding this difference is crucial for grasping the foundational concepts in biology concerning cell structure and function, evolutionary relationships, and the diversity of life forms on Earth.