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9 Dec 2025

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Cell Biology Introduction: Differences Between Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes

J

Jennifer Griffiths @jennifergriffit

Cells are the basic building blocks of all living things, from bacteria to plants to humans. Understanding the... Show more

# Ceus

Cells = the basic structural and punctional unit of all caving organisms

Complex
Ceus

# living Organisms

Can be divided into.

Eu

Cell Structure and Types

Every living thing you can think of is made up of cells - they're like tiny factories that keep organisms alive and functioning. What's brilliant is that all life can be sorted into just two main categories based on how their cells are organised.

Eukaryotic cells are the complex ones found in animals, plants, and fungi. Their most important feature is having a nucleus - think of it as the cell's control room where all the genetic material (DNA) is safely stored. These cells are packed with different structures, each doing specific jobs.

Prokaryotic cells are much simpler and smaller. Bacteria are the best example of these. Instead of keeping their DNA locked away in a nucleus, it just floats freely in the cytoplasm. Don't let their simplicity fool you though - these cells are incredibly successful and have been around for billions of years.

Quick Tip Remember that eukaryotic cells have their DNA "locked up" in a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells let their DNA roam free!

The key structures you'll need to know include the cell membrane (controls what gets in and out), ribosomes (protein factories), mitochondria (powerhouses for energy), and in plants, chloroplasts (where photosynthesis happens). Each structure has evolved to do a specific job that keeps the cell - and ultimately the whole organism - alive and thriving.

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Explore the fundamental concepts of cell biology, including eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, specialized cell functions, and key processes like osmosis and mitosis. This summary provides a comprehensive overview for Paper 1 revision, focusing on cell structure, differentiation, and transport mechanisms. Ideal for students preparing for biology exams.

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Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

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Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

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Samantha Klich

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Basil

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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

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Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Biology

33

9 Dec 2025

1 page

Cell Biology Introduction: Differences Between Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes

J

Jennifer Griffiths

@jennifergriffit

Cells are the basic building blocks of all living things, from bacteria to plants to humans. Understanding the differences between cell types is fundamental to biology and helps explain how life works at its most basic level.

# Ceus

Cells = the basic structural and punctional unit of all caving organisms

Complex
Ceus

# living Organisms

Can be divided into.

Eu

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Cell Structure and Types

Every living thing you can think of is made up of cells - they're like tiny factories that keep organisms alive and functioning. What's brilliant is that all life can be sorted into just two main categories based on how their cells are organised.

Eukaryotic cells are the complex ones found in animals, plants, and fungi. Their most important feature is having a nucleus - think of it as the cell's control room where all the genetic material (DNA) is safely stored. These cells are packed with different structures, each doing specific jobs.

Prokaryotic cells are much simpler and smaller. Bacteria are the best example of these. Instead of keeping their DNA locked away in a nucleus, it just floats freely in the cytoplasm. Don't let their simplicity fool you though - these cells are incredibly successful and have been around for billions of years.

Quick Tip: Remember that eukaryotic cells have their DNA "locked up" in a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells let their DNA roam free!

The key structures you'll need to know include the cell membrane (controls what gets in and out), ribosomes (protein factories), mitochondria (powerhouses for energy), and in plants, chloroplasts (where photosynthesis happens). Each structure has evolved to do a specific job that keeps the cell - and ultimately the whole organism - alive and thriving.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

0

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Similar content

Cell Type Comparison

Explore the fundamental differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including their structure, size, genetic material, and methods of division. This summary provides a clear comparison of bacterial cells and those of animals, plants, and fungi, highlighting key characteristics essential for understanding cell biology.

BiologyBiology
11

Cell Biology Essentials

Explore the fundamental concepts of cell biology, including eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, specialized cell functions, and key processes like osmosis and mitosis. This summary provides a comprehensive overview for Paper 1 revision, focusing on cell structure, differentiation, and transport mechanisms. Ideal for students preparing for biology exams.

BiologyBiology
11

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells

Explore the key differences and similarities between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including their structures, organelles, and functions. This summary highlights essential concepts such as cell membranes, nuclei, and organelle presence, making it a valuable resource for understanding cellular biology.

BiologyBiology
8

Cell Structures Overview

Explore the essential components and functions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including plant and bacterial cell structures. This summary covers chloroplasts, mitochondria, ribosomes, and more, providing a clear understanding of cellular processes. Ideal for AQA Combined Science Foundation Level students.

BiologyBiology
9

Types of Human Cells

Explore the various types of human cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, stem cells, and their functions. This summary covers key concepts such as eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, their roles in the body, and the significance of stem cell research. Ideal for biology students seeking to understand cellular structure and functions.

BiologyBiology
10

Cellular Biology Essentials

Explore the fundamental concepts of cellular biology, focusing on the differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. This summary covers key structures such as the nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondria, ribosomes, and chloroplasts, along with their functions in animal and plant cells. Ideal for students preparing for biology exams.

BiologyBiology
11

Most popular content: Cell

Most popular content in Biology

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user