- Bacteria: Prokaryotic cells, lack membrane-bound organelles and a nucleus.
- Protists: Eukaryotic cells, possess membrane-bound organelles and a true nucleus.
2) Size:
- Bacteria: Typically range from 0.1 to 5 micrometers (µm) in size.
- Protists: Larger than bacteria, ranging from several micrometers to over a millimeter in size.
3) Genetic Material:
- Bacteria: Single circular chromosome located in the nucleoid region.
- Protists: Multiple linear chromosomes enclosed within a distinct nucleus.
4) Locomotion:
- Bacteria: Some bacteria have flagella or pili that enable them to move, while others are non-motile.
- Protists: Protists exhibit a wider variety of locomotion, including flagella, cilia, or pseudopodia for movement.
5) Nutrition:
- Bacteria: Diverse nutritional strategies, including autotrophs, heterotrophs, and parasites.
- Protists: Primarily heterotrophic, consuming other organisms for nutrition, but some are autotrophic or mixotrophic (combining autotrophy and heterotrophy).