There are two types of cells.

TYPES OF CELLS – Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

1. Prokaryote cells were the first, and for billions of years, the only form of life.

2. Eukaryote cells are more complex.

prokaryote cell

eukaryote cell

Next >

Prokaryote cell

Eukaryote cell

Next >

Both contain cytoplasm and are bound by a cell membrane.

Similarities

Both contain ribosomes. Ribosomes are the structures in a cell that make protein.

Both contain genetic material (DNA).

Prokaryotes and eukaryotes are similar in several ways.

DNA ribosomescytoplasm

cellmembrane

Next >

Differences

A cell without a nucleus is a prokaryote. DNA is just curled up in the cytoplasm of the cell.

They also have some very important differences. In a eukaryote, DNA is

held in a nucleus. It is organized into chromosomes.

Eukaryote cell

nucleus chromosomes

Prokaryote cell – no nucleus

DNA

Eukaryote cell

Eukaryotes are generally larger and more complex than prokaryotes.

Next >

Differences

Prokaryotes have a very simple internal structure.

mitochondrion

endoplasmic reticulum cytoplasm

nuclear porenucleus

chromatin

nuclear envelope

Prokaryote cellThey contain structures called organelles that are surrounded by membranes.

Their organelles are not surrounded by membranes.

Unicellular

Multicellular

Multicellular

Others, like plants and animals (including humans) are multicellular.

Uni-means “one” or “single”. These organisms are made up of a single cell

Multi-means “many” These organisms are made up of many cells.

Some organisms, like bacteria, are unicellular.

Next >

Body TypesUnicellular organisms can be either prokaryotic or eukaryotic.

All multicellular organisms are eukaryotic.

Nutrition1. Autotrophic

2. Heterotrophic

• Auto- means “self”• Troph – means “nutrition”• These organisms make

their own food• Have the green pigment

chlorophyll

• Hetero- means “different”• These organisms eat

other organisms for energy