Describe the differences between a prokaryotic cell and a eukaryotic cell.

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) — 1.2 Variety of living organisms · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus, whereas eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus.
Prokaryotic cells contain plasmids – loops of DNA in the cytoplasm – while eukaryotic cells do not.
Prokaryotic cells are smaller than eukaryotic cells.
Eukaryotic cells contain membrane‑bound organelles such as chloroplasts and mitochondria; prokaryotic cells lack such organelles.

Examiner tips

Use the exact terms ‘nucleus’, ‘plasmids’, ‘membrane‑bound organelles’.
Show each point separately to match the four marks.
Include examples of organelles to demonstrate understanding.

Common mistakes

Confusing ‘chromosome’ with ‘plasmid’ in prokaryotes.
Writing that both cell types have a nucleus.
Omitting the size comparison or organelle detail.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

Prokaryotic cells do not contain a nucleus / eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus
Prokaryotic cells contain plasmids (loops of DNA in the cytoplasm) / eukaryotic cells do not contain plasmids
Prokaryotic cells are smaller than eukaryotic cells
Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles (e.g. chloroplasts / mitochondria) / prokaryotic cells do not contain membrane-bound organelles

Key terms in this question

prokaryotic cell · eukaryotic cell