Which of the following is a key difference between eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells?

• A. Prokaryotic cells have linear DNA, while eukaryotic cells have circular DNA.
• B. Prokaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells do not.
• C. Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells do not.
• D. Eukaryotic cells are typically smaller than prokaryotic cells.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic definitions: Eukaryotic cells are complex cells with a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells are simpler and lack a nucleus.
2. Identify the structure of DNA: Eukaryotic cells have linear DNA contained within a nucleus, whereas prokaryotic cells have circular DNA that is not enclosed in a nucleus.
3. Examine the presence of organelles: Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, while prokaryotic cells do not have these structures.
4. Consider the size difference: Generally, eukaryotic cells are larger than prokaryotic cells, not smaller.
5. Conclude with the key difference: The presence of a nucleus in eukaryotic cells is a fundamental distinction from prokaryotic cells, which lack a nucleus.