What is the main structural difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?

• A. Prokaryotic cells have mitochondria, while eukaryotic cells do not.
• B. Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells do not.
• C. Eukaryotic cells have a cell wall, while prokaryotic cells do not.
• D. Prokaryotic cells have chloroplasts, while eukaryotic cells do not.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key structural components of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
2. Understand that eukaryotic cells are characterized by the presence of a nucleus, which houses the cell's genetic material.
3. Recognize that prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus; instead, their genetic material is located in a region called the nucleoid.
4. Note that eukaryotic cells often contain membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, while prokaryotic cells do not.
5. Conclude that the main structural difference is the presence of a nucleus in eukaryotic cells, which is absent in prokaryotic cells.