Prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

List two differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Give an example of an organism of each type.
Humans are eukaryotes. Provide two examples of what we could not do if we were prokaryotes. +300 words, citation format is APA

Sample Solution

Two major differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes are their genetic material and the complexity of their cell structure. Prokaryotic organisms, such as bacteria, have a single circular chromosome that is not contained inside of a membrane-bound nucleus (Kim & Park, 2013). In contrast, eukaryotic cells such as those found in humans possess multiple linear chromosomes that are confined within the nuclear membrane (Kim & Park, 2013). Furthermore, prokaryotes typically lack complex organelles; instead their cytoplasmic structures consist of ribosomes for protein production and other necessary cellular components (Bailey et al., 2016). Eukaryotes on the other hand contain far more complex organelles including mitochondria which generate energy through aerobic respiration and lysosomes which break down intracellular material (Bailey et al., 2016).

If humans were prokaryotes we would be unable to perform various activities essential to everyday life. For example, our ability to engage in aerobic respiration would be greatly reduced since prokaryotic cells lack mitochondria needed to produce energy from oxygen. Additionally, since prokaryotes do not have specialized compartments like those found in eukaryote lysosomes they could not carry out processes such as digestion or waste removal from within cell itself (Bailey et al., 2016). Without these abilities humans would face extreme difficulty functioning without assistance from external sources like food or oxygen tanks.

In conclusion it is evident that there are numerous differences between the two types of species even though both share similarities at an overall level. Humans represent just one example of countless eukaryotes species who benefit from having sophisticated internal structures which allow them to carry out advanced survival functions with ease. It can thus be appreciated how much different life on earth would be if all organisms were composed solely of primitive prokaryotic cells; lacking many essential features required for basic living conditions such as digestion and respiration.

References:
Bailey JE, Gilbert SCJ ,Lancaster L V (2016) “Chapter 2: Nature’s Tiny Machines” In: Bailey JE The Eukaryote Cell3rd edh New York NY USA : Garland Science pp 35-76
Kim M H & Park Y S(2013).”Prokaryotic microbial diversity” Microbiology Insights 6 32–40

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