What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ in structural complexity, presence of organelles, and organization of genetic material.

Prokaryotic cells are simple, primitive cells without a true nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.
Eukaryotic cells are complex cells with a well-defined nucleus and specialized organelles.

Key differences:

• Nucleus:
  Prokaryotic: no true nucleus (DNA in nucleoid region)
  Eukaryotic: true nucleus with nuclear membrane

• Cell size:
  Prokaryotic: small (1–10 µm)
  Eukaryotic: larger (10–100 µm)

• Organelles:
  Prokaryotic: no membrane-bound organelles
  Eukaryotic: organelles like mitochondria, ER, Golgi present

• Genetic material:
  Prokaryotic: single circular DNA
  Eukaryotic: multiple linear chromosomes

• Cell division:
  Prokaryotic: binary fission
  Eukaryotic: mitosis and meiosis

• Complexity:
  Prokaryotic: simple structure
  Eukaryotic: complex and highly organized

• Examples:
  Prokaryotic: bacteria, cyanobacteria
  Eukaryotic: plants, animals, fungi, protists

In simple terms: Prokaryotic cells are simple and lack a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells are complex and have a defined nucleus and organelles.