What are the differences between the prokaryotic and eukaryotic chromosomes?

Prokaryotic Chromosomes 

- Prokaryotic chromosomes refer to the double stranded circular DNA found in the nucleoid of prokaryotes. A prokaryotic chromosome is made up of a single chromosome. 

- Prokaryotic chromosomes are short, circular DNA molecules. They lack telomeres and centromeres and are attached to the cytoplasm from the inside. 

- These chromosomes are haploid in nature as they don’t have homologous chromosomes. They associate with nucleoid-associated proteins, which help them for packing.

- Replication in prokaryotic DNA occurs at the beginning of the cell division. Prokaryotic chromosomes contain a single origin of replication per chromosome.

- Prokaryotic genes are organized into operons. Genetic transfer in prokaryotic chromosomes is achieved through horizontal gene transfer. 

- Prokaryotic chromosomes encode only for a limited number of proteins. 

Eukaryotic Chromosomes 

- Eukaryotic chromosomes refer to the long strands of DNA found inside the nucleus of the cell in eukaryotes. A eukaryotic chromosome contains genetic information and is made up of several chromosomes. 

- Eukaryotic chromosomes are long, linear DNA molecules. They have telomeres and centromeres. 

- These chromosomes have no contact with the cytoplasm but they often have a pairing homologous chromosome. They associate with histones to form special structures called nucleosomes.  

- Replication in eukaryotic DNA occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle. Eukaryotic chromosomes contain multiple origins of replication per chromosome.

- Eukaryotic genes are regulated as individual structures. Genetic recombination is achieved through meiosis and fusion of gametes. 

- Eukaryotic chromosomes encode for a large number of chromosomes.