What is the difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells are distinguished by the presence of membrane-bound organelles, which are specialized structures within the cell that perform distinct functions. These organelles include the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, among others. The nucleus contains the cell's genetic material, and other organelles contribute to processes such as energy production, protein synthesis, and waste processing.

In contrast, prokaryotic cells, which include bacteria and archaea, lack such compartmentalization. Their genetic material is not enclosed within a membrane-bound nucleus; instead, it resides in a region called the nucleoid. The absence of membrane-bound organelles in prokaryotic cells means that all cellular processes occur in the cytoplasm or across the cell membrane, which can limit the complexity and efficiency of these processes compared to eukaryotic cells.

This fundamental distinction is crucial in understanding cellular biology and the organization of life forms, influencing everything from cellular function to the evolutionary development of organisms.