What is a major difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

A significant distinction between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is the presence of a nucleus in eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells are characterized by having a well-defined nucleus that houses the cell's genetic material (DNA), separated from the cytoplasm by a nuclear membrane. This arrangement allows for a more organized and structured cell, capable of complex functions such as the regulation of gene expression and the compartmentalization of cellular processes.

In contrast, prokaryotic cells, which include bacteria and archaea, do not possess a nucleus. Instead, their genetic material is found in a region called the nucleoid, which is not membrane-bound. This fundamental difference in cell organization is a key factor that distinguishes the two cell types and plays a crucial role in the complexity of the organisms that each can form.

Understanding this distinction is essential in cell biology, as it outlines the evolutionary divergence of cellular life forms, indicating that eukaryotes have a more complex internal organization relative to prokaryotes.