Question

What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Ability to reproduce
Presence of DNA
Presence of ribosomes
Presence of membrane-bound organelles

Answer 1

The primary distinguishing feature between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells is the **presence of membrane-bound organelles**. Here's a summary of the key differences based on the options provided:

1. **Ability to reproduce**: Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells can reproduce. This is not a distinguishing feature.

2. **Presence of DNA**: Both types of cells contain DNA. Prokaryotic cells generally have a single circular DNA molecule, while eukaryotic cells have multiple linear DNA molecules housed in the nucleus. However, presence of DNA alone is not a distinguishing factor.

3. **Presence of ribosomes**: Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells contain ribosomes, although they differ in size and structure. This is also not a distinguishing feature.

4. **Presence of membrane-bound organelles**: This is the key distinguishing feature. Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles (e.g., a nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum), while eukaryotic cells have these organelles.

In summary, the most significant distinction is the **presence of membrane-bound organelles** in eukaryotic cells.