What is a key structural difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

• A. Prokaryotic cells have a cell wall, while eukaryotic cells do not.
• B. Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells do not.
• C. Eukaryotic cells are always unicellular, while prokaryotic cells are multicellular.
• D. Prokaryotic cells have a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells do not.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the basic definitions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells are simpler and lack a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells are more complex and have a defined nucleus.
2. Identify the presence of membrane-bound organelles as a distinguishing feature. Eukaryotic cells contain organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, which are enclosed by membranes.
3. Recognize that prokaryotic cells do not have membrane-bound organelles. Their cellular components are not compartmentalized by membranes, which is a key structural difference.
4. Clarify the misconception about cell walls. While many prokaryotic cells have cell walls, some eukaryotic cells, like plant cells, also have cell walls. Thus, the presence of a cell wall is not a distinguishing factor.
5. Understand that eukaryotic cells can be either unicellular or multicellular, whereas prokaryotic cells are typically unicellular. This distinction is not related to the presence of membrane-bound organelles.