Describe Prokaryotic Cells and Their Differences from Eukaryotic Cells

General Characteristics of Prokaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic cells are simple cells that lack a membrane-bound nucleus. Instead, their DNA is located in the cytoplasm of the cell. Prokaryotic cells are typically much smaller than eukaryotic cells and do not contain membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria or endoplasmic reticulum.

Key Feature of Eukaryotic Cells Absent in Prokaryotic Cells

Eukaryotic cells have a feature that is absent in prokaryotic cells, which is the presence of a vacuole. Vacuoles are membrane-bound organelles that store various molecules and help maintain the cell's shape and structure. In contrast, prokaryotic cells do not have vacuoles.

Therefore, while prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells share some similarities in basic structures, such as a cell membrane and genetic material, they differ significantly in terms of the presence of a nucleus and certain organelles like vacuoles.