Prokaryotic cells differ from eukaryotic cells in that they:

Prokaryotic cells differ from eukaryotic cells in that they:

• A. Lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
• B. Have a nucleus but no membrane-bound organelles.
• C. Lack ribosomes.
• D. Contain membrane-bound organelles only.

Answer: (A)

Prokaryotic cells are defined by not having a nucleus or any membrane-bound organelles. Their DNA sits in a nucleoid region inside the cytoplasm, and most of the cell’s processes occur in the cytoplasm without the compartmentalization seen in more complex cells. In contrast, eukaryotic cells contain a true nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane and have multiple membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, which compartmentalize cellular functions. Ribosomes are present in prokaryotes, so a statement claiming they lack ribosomes isn’t accurate. And the idea that prokaryotes contain membrane-bound organelles only is incorrect because they lack these organelles entirely.

Prokaryotic cells are defined by not having a nucleus or any membrane-bound organelles. Their DNA sits in a nucleoid region inside the cytoplasm, and most of the cell’s processes occur in the cytoplasm without the compartmentalization seen in more complex cells. In contrast, eukaryotic cells contain a true nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane and have multiple membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, which compartmentalize cellular functions.

Ribosomes are present in prokaryotes, so a statement claiming they lack ribosomes isn’t accurate. And the idea that prokaryotes contain membrane-bound organelles only is incorrect because they lack these organelles entirely.