Eucaryotic cells differ most obviously from procaryotic cells in having a variety of complex membranous organelles in the cytoplasmic matrix, and the majority of their genetic material within membrane-delimited nuclei.

A cytoskeleton composed of microtubules and microfilaments helps give eucaryotic cells shape.

In eucaryotes, genetic material is distributed between cells by the highly organized, complex processes called mitosis and meiosis.

Despite great difference between eucaryotes and procaryotes with respect to morphology, they are similar on the biochemical level.