Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic cells both have DNA as their genetic material, are covered by a cell membrane, contain RNA, and are both made from the same basic chemical (carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acid, minerals, fats, and vitamins). They both contain ribosomes. Eukaryotic cells contain large ribosomes and Prokaryotic cells contain small ribosomes. Both of them also regulate the flow of the nutrients and wastes that enter and leave them. Some other things they have in common are they both have similar basic metabolism like photosynthesis and reproduction. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells require a supply of energy and are both highly regulated by elaborate sensing systems that make them aware of the reactions within them and the environment around them. They also both contain plasma membranes. Eukaryotic cells have simple cilia and flagella while prokaryotic cells have complex.

As for the genetic material, prokaryotic cells do not have a true nucleus, are located within the cytoplasm, and are not bound by a special membrane. They also consist of a single molecule of DNA. Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus, are located within the nucleus, and are bound by a double membrane-bound compartment within the cytoplasm. They also have numerous molecules of DNA combined with protein, and are organized into chromosomes.

Some prokaryotic cells have photosynthetic membranes arising from the plasma membrane. Instead of having chromosomal DNA, prokaryotic cells genetic information is in a circular loop called a plasmid. They also have cell walls made up of peptidoglycan. These cells are represented by the domains Bacteria and Archaea. Prokaryotic cells are much smaller than eukaryotic cells, and sometimes contain a capsule. Prokaryotic cells contain three major types of shapes, such as, rod shaped, spherical, and spiral. The organisms within the prokaryotic cells are bacteria and cyanobacteria (also known as blue algae). Bacterial cells are about one to two um in diameter and ten um long. Unlike the eukaryotic cells, prokaryotic cells do not go through elaborate replication processes, bacterial cells divide by binary fission.

Eukaryotic cells have a cytomembrane system of connected membrane structures and membrane bounded compartments specialized to perform specific functions. They also contain the endomembrane system, which carries out a variety of tasks in the cell. Some of the tasks include synthesis of proteins and their transport into membranes and organelles or out of the cell, metabolism and movement of lipids, and detoxification of poisons. This system includes the nuclear envelope, the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, various kinds of vacuoles, and the plasma membrane. They also contain peroxisomes and chromosomes. These cells are represented by the kingdoms Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia. Eukaryotic cells are about ten times the size of prokaryotic cells.