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Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes definitions

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  • Prokaryote
    A cell type lacking a nucleus and internal membranes, with circular DNA located in a nucleoid region.
  • Eukaryote
    A cell type possessing a nucleus with a nuclear envelope, linear chromosomes, and complex internal membranes.
  • Nucleoid
    A region in certain cells where circular DNA is free-floating, not enclosed by a membrane.
  • Nucleus
    A membrane-bound compartment in some cells that houses linear DNA and is surrounded by a nuclear envelope.
  • Chromosome
    A structure composed of DNA, linear in some cells and circular in others, responsible for genetic information storage.
  • Plasma Membrane
    A boundary present in all cells, regulating the movement of substances into and out of the cell.
  • Internal Membrane
    A feature of certain cells, forming compartments and organelles, absent in simpler cell types.
  • Cytoskeletal System
    A network of microtubules, actin filaments, and intermediate filaments providing structural support in complex cells.
  • Binary Fission
    A division process where a cell duplicates its DNA and splits, producing genetically identical offspring.
  • Mitosis
    A division mechanism in complex cells resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells.
  • Meiosis
    A division process in certain cells producing offspring with half the parental DNA, requiring two parents for full genetic complement.
  • Archaea
    A domain of simple cells lacking a nucleus, often found in extreme environments, distinct from bacteria.
  • Bacteria
    A domain of prokaryotic cells characterized by the absence of a nucleus and internal membranes.
  • Eukaryota
    A domain including all organisms with cells containing a nucleus and internal compartmentalization.