Eukaryotic genomes are larger and more complex, with genetic material compartmentalized inside the nucleus.
1) Linear Chromosomes
Eukaryotic DNA is organized into multiple linear chromosomes contained in the nucleus.
Chromosomes are composed of DNA and histone proteins, forming chromatin.
2) Presence of Introns and Exons
Eukaryotic genes contain introns (non-coding regions) and exons (coding regions).
RNA splicing removes introns before translation.
3) Regulation of Gene Expression
Controlled by complex regulatory sequences, including enhancers, silencers, and promoters.
4) Compartmentalized Transcription and Translation
Transcription occurs in the nucleus, and translation occurs in the cytoplasm.
mRNA undergoes processing (capping, polyadenylation, and splicing) before translation.
5) Mitochondrial and Chloroplast DNA
Eukaryotic cells contain additional organelle DNA in mitochondria (mtDNA) and chloroplasts (cpDNA) (Endosymbiotic Theory).
6) Epigenetic Modifications
DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling regulate gene expression.
7) Repetitive DNA and Transposable Elements
Large portions of eukaryotic genomes contain repetitive sequences, satellite DNA, and transposable elements (jumping genes).
