What Are Differences Between Bacteria & Eukaryotes?

Size and Complexity

• Bacteria cells are smaller and less complex than eukaryotic cells. All of what happens inside the bacteria cell happens within one contained area: the cytoplasm. Eukaryotic cells have organelles that function as subcompartments with specialized features inside the cell. A bacteria cell lacks these membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, chloroplasts, lysosome and the Golgi apparatus. Eukaryotes also have an endoplasmic reticulum, which communicates with other parts of the cell to transfer proteins.

Skeleton

• Bacteria have an outer skeleton for support, which also works as a barrier since most macromolecules can̵7;t get through. Yet it also limits movement and communication. Eukaryotic cells have internal skeletons, which give their outer surface more flexibility. With its pliable outside and its internal components, the eukaryotic cell can move more freely and perform more functions.

Nucleus and Nuclear Membrane

• A bacteria cell does not have a nucleus or a nuclear membrane. In a eukaryotic cell the nucleus is where the DNA is found. Bacteria and other prokaryotic cells have DNA, but because of their small size, it is unnecessary for it to be contained in one region. Since the bacteria cells have no nucleus, they also do not have a nuclear membrane. Eukaryotic cells have a double nuclear membrane surrounding the nucleus and keeping the DNA separate from the cytosol.

DNA

• Further examination reveals differences between each cell̵7;s DNA. Bacteria cells have one circular DNA molecule and several tinier circles of DNA called plasmids. They do not have a protein histone or form into chromosomes, nor do they need as many genes to operate the cell. On the other hand, eukaryotic cells have DNA that is linear and organized into several chromosomes and contains the protein histones. Most eukaryotic cells are also diploid, whereas prokaryotic are always haploid. This means a bacteria cell has just one set of genetic information for that cell. The majority of eukaryotic cells have two sets of genetic information at some point during their existence, which has been vital for the process of evolution.