Saturday, September 17, 2016

Where is DNA located in prokaryotic cells? Eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells are very small cells found in bacteria and archaea. Archaea are similar to bacteria however they are extremophiles, meaning they are found in extreme environments on Earth where it seems unlikely for life to exist. A characteristic of prokaryotic cells is that they lack membrane-bound organelles. Their DNA is located in the cytoplasm but not enclosed by a membrane-bound nucleus. A plasma membrane separates the cell from its surrounding environment. The organization inside these cells is fairly simple.


Eukaryotic cells are larger and contain various membrane-bound organelles that perform different functions necessary to maintain the life of the cell. Some organelles include the mitochondria, vacuoles, and endoplasmic reticuli among many others. A plasma membrane encloses the cell and the DNA is found inside the nucleus, a large membrane-bound organelle inside the cytoplasm. Organisms that are eukaryotes include plants, animals, fungi and protists.


In a side by side comparison, Eukaryotic cells appear much larger and more complex than Prokaryotic cells. I have attached a link with an excellent chart and diagram of each type of cell.

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