Eukaryotic Cells vs. Prokaryotic Cells

Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Some examples of eukaryotes are humans, cats, and trees. Protists, which are unicellular, are also eukaryotes.

• Their nucleus stores genetic information in the form of nucleic acids which determine heredity and direct a cell's activity. 
• Mitochondria are double-membrane bound, and they power the cell through aerobic respiration. 
•  Eukaryotic cells contain a smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) and a rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER); The SER synthesizes lipids and the RER synthesizes proteins using ribosomes. The golgi apparatus transports substances produced the the SER and RER. 
• Vesicles store substances, and lysosomes break down old substances. 

Both plants and animals are eukaryotic, but some organelles are only found in plants. For example, chloroplasts, which are double-membrane-bound places where photosynthesis occurs; they contain chlorophyll. Cell walls are rigid cellulose structures that surround plant cells, giving plants their structure. Vacuoles are present in both animal and plant cells, but they are bigger in plant cells.

Prokaryotic cells are simpler, containing no membrane-bound organelles. Some examples of prokaryotes are amoebae and bacteria.

• The genetic material floats semi-freely in the cytoplasm. 
• The plasma membrane protects the inside of the cell from the outside world.
• Prokaryotic cells move using hairs called cillia or tail-like structures called flagella. 
• Pili can be used to transport substances to other cells.
• Bacteria are surrounded by cell capsules, which are made of polysaccharides.
• Ribosomes produce proteins, like they do in Eukaryotic cells.