Which statement best describes a difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Which statement best describes a difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

• A. Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
• B. Eukaryotic cells lack DNA.
• C. Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
• D. Prokaryotic cells are larger and more complex than eukaryotic cells.

Answer: (C)

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are distinguished by how their genetic material is organized and how cellular components are arranged. Prokaryotes have no true nucleus and lack membrane-bound organelles; their DNA sits in a nucleoid region inside the cell, and there are no compartments enclosed by membranes. Eukaryotes place their DNA inside a membrane-bound nucleus and contain multiple membrane-bound organelles, like mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, which create defined compartments for different tasks. This difference in organization is what sets the two cell types apart and underpins many aspects of their physiology. Therefore, the best description is that prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have both. DNA is present in both types, so a statement claiming that eukaryotic cells lack DNA is incorrect. Prokaryotic cells are not larger or more complex; they are typically smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells.

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are distinguished by how their genetic material is organized and how cellular components are arranged. Prokaryotes have no true nucleus and lack membrane-bound organelles; their DNA sits in a nucleoid region inside the cell, and there are no compartments enclosed by membranes. Eukaryotes place their DNA inside a membrane-bound nucleus and contain multiple membrane-bound organelles, like mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, which create defined compartments for different tasks. This difference in organization is what sets the two cell types apart and underpins many aspects of their physiology.

Therefore, the best description is that prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have both.

DNA is present in both types, so a statement claiming that eukaryotic cells lack DNA is incorrect. Prokaryotic cells are not larger or more complex; they are typically smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells.