# Describe the differences between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells.

> WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales) — 1.2 Cell structure and organisation · Describe · 5 marks

> Bacteria are prokaryotic cells. Human body cells are eukaryotic cells.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus / prokaryotic cells do not contain a nucleus
2. Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles / prokaryotic cells do not contain membrane-bound organelles
3. Prokaryotic cells contain plasmids (circular loops of DNA) / eukaryotic cells generally do not
4. In prokaryotic cells, genetic material / DNA moves freely in the cytoplasm rather than being contained in a nucleus
5. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have a cell membrane and cytoplasm

## Key terms

- [prokaryotic cell](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/prokaryotic-cell)
- [eukaryotic cell](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/eukaryotic-cell)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-the-differences-between-prokaryotic-cells-b40e25d2) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.