What best summarizes the main cellular difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

• A. Prokaryotes have a nucleus; eukaryotes do not.
• B. Eukaryotes lack ribosomes.
• C. Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotes have both.
• D. Both types have mitochondria.

Answer: (C)

The key difference is how the cell organizes its interior: eukaryotic cells keep their DNA in a nucleus and have membrane-bound organelles that compartmentalize different functions, while prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound compartments. Prokaryotes still have DNA, but it’s not enclosed in a nucleus, and their internal structure isn’t divided by membranes the way eukaryotes are. Both types have ribosomes to make proteins, but only eukaryotes have the nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria. So the best summary is that prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotes have both.