What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
A)Prokaryotes lack a cell membrane on the outside.
B)Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles.
C)Prokaryotes use RNA instead of DNA.
D)Prokaryotes lack ribosomes to make proteins.
please help with this quick check
The main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is option B) Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles.
To understand why this is the main difference, it helps to first understand what prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are. Prokaryotic cells are simpler and are found in bacteria and archaea. They lack a distinct nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Instead, their DNA is located in a region called the nucleoid. Prokaryotes do have a cell membrane, which separates the cell from its environment.
On the other hand, eukaryotic cells are more complex and are found in animals, plants, fungi, and protists. Eukaryotic cells have a distinct nucleus that houses their DNA and is separated from the cytoplasm by a nuclear membrane. In addition to the nucleus, eukaryotic cells also contain membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes.
Option A) is incorrect because both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have a cell membrane, although the composition and structure of the cell membrane can differ. Option C) is incorrect because both prokaryotes and eukaryotes use DNA as their genetic material. Option D) is incorrect because both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have ribosomes, although they may differ slightly in structure and function.
Therefore, the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is that prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotes have them.