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 lack ribosomes to make proteins.
D. Prokaryotes use RNA instead of DNA.
B. Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles.
The main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is:
B. Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles
The main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is that prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles, which is option B. To understand why, let me explain the characteristics of each type of cell.
Prokaryotic cells are simpler and smaller than eukaryotic cells. They are typically found in bacteria and archaea. Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles like the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum. Instead, their genetic material is found in a region called the nucleoid, which is not surrounded by a membrane. Prokaryotic cells do have a cell membrane, which acts as a protective barrier and regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
On the other hand, eukaryotic cells are more complex and larger than prokaryotic cells. They make up plants, animals, fungi, and protists. Eukaryotes have a true nucleus that contains their DNA, which is enclosed in a nuclear membrane. They also possess various membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria for energy production, endoplasmic reticulum for protein synthesis, and Golgi apparatus for processing and packaging proteins. These organelles allow eukaryotic cells to perform specialized functions.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is B: Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles.