Which of the following best describes a prokaryotic cell?

• A. A multicellular organism with specialized tissues
• B. A cell with membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria
• C. A cell lacking a membrane-bound nucleus
• D. A cell containing multiple linear chromosomes within a nucleus

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of a prokaryotic cell: Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the absence of a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
2. Recall that prokaryotes include bacteria and archaea, which typically have a single circular chromosome located in a nucleoid region, not enclosed by a membrane.
3. Compare the options given: identify which descriptions mention membrane-bound organelles or nuclei, which are features of eukaryotic cells, not prokaryotic cells.
4. Recognize that multicellularity and specialized tissues are characteristics of eukaryotic organisms, not prokaryotes, which are usually unicellular.
5. Conclude that the best description of a prokaryotic cell is 'A cell lacking a membrane-bound nucleus' because this directly reflects the defining feature of prokaryotes.