The primary distinction between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells lies in the presence of a nucleus. Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus, which contains their genetic material, while prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus; instead, their genetic material is located in a region called the nucleoid.
Furthermore, eukaryotic cells are typically larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells, containing membrane-bound organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and mitochondria. These organelles perform specific functions that are crucial for the cell’s operation. In contrast, prokaryotic cells, which include bacteria and archaea, lack these organelles and have a simpler structure.
So in summary, a key difference is that eukaryotic cells possess a nucleus while prokaryotic cells do not.