Do prokaryotes have DNA?

Yes. Prokaryotes have DNA, but it is a single circular molecule located in the nucleoid region — not enclosed in a membrane-bound nucleus.

Are bacteria prokaryotic or eukaryotic?

Bacteria are prokaryotic — they lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

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Difference Between Prokaryotic Cell and Eukaryotic Cell

All cells are either prokaryotic or eukaryotic. The key distinction is whether the cell has a true, membrane-bound nucleus.

In short

Prokaryotic cells have no membrane-bound nucleus or organelles and are small (1–10 μm), while eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles and are larger (10–100 μm).

Prokaryotic Cell vs Eukaryotic Cell — Comparison Table

Basis	Prokaryotic Cell	Eukaryotic Cell
Nucleus	Absent (nucleoid region)	Present (true, membrane-bound)
Size	1–10 μm	10–100 μm
Membrane-bound organelles	Absent	Present
Ribosomes	70S	80S (70S in mitochondria/plastids)
DNA	Circular, naked	Linear, with histones
Cell division	Binary fission	Mitosis / meiosis
Examples	Bacteria, archaea	Plants, animals, fungi, protists

Want to understand this fully? Read the Biology notes or practise questions on this chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions — Prokaryotic Cell vs Eukaryotic Cell

Do prokaryotes have DNA?: Yes. Prokaryotes have DNA, but it is a single circular molecule located in the nucleoid region — not enclosed in a membrane-bound nucleus.
Are bacteria prokaryotic or eukaryotic?: Bacteria are prokaryotic — they lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Difference Between Prokaryotic Cell and Eukaryotic Cell

Prokaryotic Cell vs Eukaryotic Cell — Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions — Prokaryotic Cell vs Eukaryotic Cell

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