What are the differences between eukaryotic DNA and prokaryotic DNA?

Basis of differentiation

Eukaryotic DNA

Prokaryotic DNA 

Location

Eukaryotic DNA is found in the nucleus of the cell, inside the chloroplast and mitochondria

Prokaryotic DNA is found in the cytoplasm of circular plasmids and prokaryotic

 cells (not found in organelles)

Copies of genome

Contains of more than one copy of the genome

Consists one copy of the genome

Shape

Linear shaped and double stranded, with two ends 

Occurs as circular shaped chromosomes

Approximate quantity of genes contained

Contains a large number of genes

Contains a small number of genes

Presence of introns

Introns are present

Introns are not present 

Speed of DNA replication

DNA replication is slow, around 100 nucleotides per second

DNA replication is rapid, around 2000 nucleotides are added per second  

Packaging

Eukaryotic DNA forms nucleosomes and and shows higher order packaging 

Prokaryotic DNA forms loop-like structures by wrapping around histone-like protein molecules

Presence of transposons

Does not consist of transposons

Consists of transpons

Size

Size of eukaryotic DNA is typically more than 1 pg

Size of prokaryotic DNA is typically less than 0.1 pg

Origin of replication 

Chromosomes contain many origins of replications (over 1000)

Chromosome has a single origin of replication 

DNA polymerases

Eukaryotic DNA replication is carried out by DNA polymerase  α, β, γ, δ, and ε 

Is carried out by DNA polymerase I, II, and III 

End product of replication

End of replication produces two circular chromosomes

End of replication produces two sister chromatids