Characteristics of Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
There are two general classes of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. The evolution of prokaryotic cells preceded that of
eukaryotic cells by 2 billion years.
- Streptococcus pyogenes, the bacterium that causes
strep throat, is an example of prokaryotes.
- Yeast, the organism that makes bread rise and
beer ferment, is an example of unicellular eukaryotes.
- Humans, of course, are an example of multicellular eukaryotes.
The major similarities between the two types of cells (prokaryote and
eukaryote) are:
- They both have DNA as their genetic material.
- They are both