Why are prokaryotic cells generally smaller than eukaryotic cells? - ProProfs Discuss
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Why are prokaryotic cells generally smaller than eukaryotic cells?

Why are prokaryotic cells generally smaller than eukaryotic cells?<br/>

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Asked by Imablonde, Last updated: Nov 03, 2024

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5 Answers

L. Gibson

L. Gibson

L. Gibson
L. Gibson, Science Professor

Answered Feb 10, 2021

Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller than eukaryotic cells because they have less organelles in them. Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the absence of a nucleus or any other membrane bound organelles such as mitochondria, peroxisomes, Golgi apparatus, vacuoles, lysosomes and endoplasmic reticulum.

Eukaryotic cells contains at least one nucleus and many membrane organelles which are absent in prokaryotic cells. Also, the prokaryotic cells as a single circular chromosome but a eukaryotic cells contains 46 chromosomes that are stored inside the nucleus. In fact, the DNA is coiled and condense in the nucleus.

In summary, the lack of compartmentalized organelles and the singular chromosomes explains the small size of the prokaryotic cell when compared to a eukaryotic cell.

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S. Leo

S. Leo

I write blogs for my website. I an Ex employee for a Texas based MNC.

S. Leo
S. Leo, Content Blogger, Journalism and Content Marketing, Mexico

Answered Feb 03, 2021

Prokaryotic cells are known to be smaller than eukaryotic cells. They will have no nucleus and they will also not have enough organelles available. The prokaryotic cells will come with a cell wall and all of the things that the cell would need will be available inside the prokaryotic cell.

The primary reason why it is going to be smaller than the eukaryotic cell is it does not have as many items as compared to what a eukaryotic cell may have. If you would check out eukaryotic cells, you will notice that they have a lot of membrane−bound organelles that you cannot find in prokaryotic cells. All of the activities that the cells need to do in prokaryotic cells will appear in the cytoplasm and the cell membrane.

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G. Roland

G. Roland

G. Roland
G. Roland, Professor, Austin

Answered Nov 05, 2018

There are two types of cells. They are the prokaryotic cells and the eukaryotic cells. The prokaryotic cells are a little smaller in size compared to the other type of cell, the eukaryotic cells. The prokaryotic cell does not have a few things like the eukaryotic cell which is the nucleus, mitochondria and the organelles that are bound by the membranes. The eukaryotic cell has many more parts to it that help the cell function.

These cells contain the Golgi apparatus. It also contains a nucleus in the very center of the cell. Another main difference between the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells include that the prokaryotic cell is unicellular. Eukaryotes have compartmentalization which allows for specialization which requires more space for these parts.

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L. Hawkes

L. Hawkes

L. Hawkes
L. Hawkes, Teacher, Memphis

Answered Jun 28, 2018

Eukaryotic cells come with organelles. They also have a nucleus. This is something that prokaryotic cells do not have. This means that prokaryotes contain a smaller amount of DNA. Eukaryotic cells are known to be more complicated to analyze. They have enough guards in order to protect the rest of the cells against mutation.

The more complex eukaryotic cells are sized at about 10-100 µm while prokaryotic cells are only about 0.1-5.0 µm. Take note that these two types of cells still have other similarities and differences that you will know more about if you are interested to check more details about it. One example of a prokaryote is bacteria while an example of a eukaryote is human beings.

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John Smith

John Smith

John Smith
John Smith

Answered Mar 25, 2017

Eukaryotes have compartmentalization, which allows for specialization.

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