QUICK/ON THE GO READING NOTES FOR GCSE
BIOLOGY PAPER 1 (AQA)
, The Basic Unit: Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic Cells Eukaryotic Cells
Prokaryotes are the simplest and oldest forms of life. Eukaryotic cells are more complex than prokaryotic
They include bacteria and archaea. cells.
Their cells do not have a nucleus. They have a nucleus that contains the DNA.
They also do not have membrane-bound organelles (like They contain membrane-bound organelles, each with a
mitochondria). specific function.
Their DNA floats freely in the cytoplasm in a circular Animals, plants, fungi, and protists are made of
shape called a nucleoid. eukaryotic cells.
Prokaryotic cells are much smaller than eukaryotic cells. Having different compartments in the cell makes
processes more efficient and specialised.
BIOLOGY PAPER 1 (AQA)
, The Basic Unit: Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic Cells Eukaryotic Cells
Prokaryotes are the simplest and oldest forms of life. Eukaryotic cells are more complex than prokaryotic
They include bacteria and archaea. cells.
Their cells do not have a nucleus. They have a nucleus that contains the DNA.
They also do not have membrane-bound organelles (like They contain membrane-bound organelles, each with a
mitochondria). specific function.
Their DNA floats freely in the cytoplasm in a circular Animals, plants, fungi, and protists are made of
shape called a nucleoid. eukaryotic cells.
Prokaryotic cells are much smaller than eukaryotic cells. Having different compartments in the cell makes
processes more efficient and specialised.
