Prokaryotic cells are the oldest type of cell, which have been around for approximately 3.5 billion years. They are the first cells on Earth and the first bacteria cells to be found. There are two different kinds of prokaryotic cells Archaea and bacteria. Archaea are ancient microorganisms that play a part in various ecosystems even our own. They also help with nutrient cycling, and carbon fixation, and help produce methane which we use as a natural gas. Archaea can only be found in extreme environments. Prokaryotic cells or primitive cells are simple organic compounds that are surrounded by RNA with a membrane, these cells have been around for 3.8 million years ago, and some lived in shallow waters and hydrothermal vents. Hydrothermal vents are places where there are volcanic activities and the water heats up.
Below is a 3-D model of the eukaryotic cell. Eukaryotic Cell Model
Eukaryotic cells are the second-oldest cells, they evolved from the prokaryotic cells and originated in endosymbiotic events. Endosymbiotic events are when organisms have other organisms living inside of them. These events often lead to discoveries and new cells. There are four types of eukaryotic cells, protozoans, algae, fungi, plants and animals. Protozoans are single-celled organisms that live worldwide in almost every habitat, they can cause diseases like malaria, amoebiasis, giardiasis, toxoplasmosis, trichomoniasis, and leishmaniasis. Algae are plant-like organisms that are usually aquatic and use photosynthesis to produce energy. Plants and animals are living organisms worldwide. Lastly, fungi are microorganisms that include yeast, moulds and some mushrooms.
Here is a very educational video about Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells by Amoeba Sisters!
In the world of cells, there are many similarities between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. As we know prokaryotic cells are the oldest cells, they have a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, DNA and a cell wall.
The plasma membrane helps separate the cell from its interior and helps the substances that come in and out, the cytoplasm fills the inside. It helps with the internal environment, and ribosomes are responsible for holding protein for the cell and RNA which is important genetic information.
Lastly, the cell wall provides protection and keeps the prokaryote's shape. Eukaryotic cells have mostly the same functions as prokaryotic cells however they have a few differences, the eukaryotic cell is multicellular which means it has many cells in one.
Another difference is that prokaryotes don't have a nucleus which is the brain of the cell, or an endoplasmic reticulum which is an important way to serve lipids and protein.
However despite these differences, these cells have things in common, they both have the ability to reproduce, they both are living organisms, they both have a cell membrane, and lastly, they both have ribosomes.