The eukaryotic cell can be easily distinguished from the prokaryotic ones depending on some very prominent structures. The most notable difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes is that prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles. Mitochondria, also known as the powerhouse of the cell, the Golgi apparatus, and the endoplasmic reticulum are all missing. They don't have a membrane-bound nucleus, yet the nucleoid region contains the genetic material. A plasma membrane surrounds the prokaryotic cells, and some bacteria also have cell walls.