How do eukaryotic cells differ from prokaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells are characterized by the presence of membrane-bound organelles, which are specialized structures enclosed within membranes that perform specific functions necessary for the cell's survival and operation. For example, eukaryotic cells have organelles such as a nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, each playing distanced roles in processes such as energy production, protein synthesis, and cellular regulation.

In contrast, prokaryotic cells, which include bacteria and archaea, lack such compartmentalization; they do not possess membrane-bound organelles. Their cellular processes occur in the cytoplasm or are associated with the cell membrane, which limits the complexity and specialization of cellular functions compared to eukaryotic cells.

Understanding this distinction is significant in the field of biochemistry and cell biology, as it highlights the structural and functional differences that underpin the complexity of eukaryotic life, including how these cells manage metabolic processes and respond to environmental changes.