Which of the following clues would tell you whether a cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic?
a. The presence or absence of a rigid cell wall
b. Whether or not the cell is partitioned by internal membranes
c. The presence or absence of ribosomes
d. Both b and c are important clues

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles, including a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles and a defined nucleus.
2. Step 2: Analyze option (a): The presence or absence of a rigid cell wall is not a definitive clue because both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells (e.g., plant cells) can have a rigid cell wall.
3. Step 3: Analyze option (b): Internal membranes are a key feature of eukaryotic cells, as they allow compartmentalization (e.g., organelles like the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum). Prokaryotic cells lack such internal membranes.
4. Step 4: Analyze option (c): Ribosomes are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, so their presence or absence is not a distinguishing feature.
5. Step 5: Conclude that option (b) is a critical clue, and since option (d) includes (b), it is the most comprehensive answer. Internal membranes are the most reliable indicator of whether a cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic.

Key Concepts

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic cells are simple, unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells are more complex, can be unicellular or multicellular, and contain a nucleus and various organelles. This fundamental distinction is crucial for understanding cellular structure and function.

Cell Membranes and Internal Compartmentalization

Eukaryotic cells are characterized by internal membranes that create distinct compartments, allowing for specialized functions within the cell. In contrast, prokaryotic cells do not have these internal membranes, which affects their metabolic processes and overall cellular organization.

Ribosomes and Protein Synthesis

Ribosomes are essential for protein synthesis in all living cells, but their structure and location differ between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller and free-floating in the cytoplasm, while eukaryotic ribosomes can be found both free in the cytoplasm and attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, reflecting differences in cellular complexity.