# Explain why prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, are different from eukaryotic cells in terms of their subcellular structures.

> Eduqas A-Level Biology — 1.2 Cell structure and organisation · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Prokaryotic cells do not contain membrane-bound organelles (whereas eukaryotic cells do)
2. Prokaryotic cells do not contain a nucleus / their genetic material is not enclosed in a nucleus
3. In prokaryotic cells, genetic material (bacterial DNA) moves freely in the cytoplasm
4. Prokaryotic cells contain plasmids (circular loops of DNA), which are not typically found in eukaryotic cells
5. Eukaryotic cells (plant and animal cells) contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, whereas prokaryotic cells only have a cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm and plasmids

## 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 Eduqas A-Level Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-prokaryotic-cells-such-as-66c023bd) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.