Comparing Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

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By the end of this section, you will be able to:

  • name examples of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms
  • compare and contrast prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells
  • describe the relative sizes of different kinds of cells.

Cells fall into one of two broad categories: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. The predominantly single-celled organisms of the domains Bacteria and Archaea are classified as prokaryotes (pro– = before; –karyon– = nucleus). Animal cells, plant cells, fungi, and protists are eukaryotes (eu– = true).