Final answer:
Prokaryotic DNA differs from eukaryotic DNA in that it is contained in a nucleoid without a nuclear membrane, forms a single circular chromosome, and does not involve histones in packaging. Contrary to the claim, prokaryotic DNA does contain thymine and is capable of replication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differences in DNA between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
The DNA in prokaryotic cells differs from that in eukaryotic cells in several significant ways. Notably:
- Prokaryotic DNA is contained within a nucleoid region of the cell and is not separated by a nuclear membrane, in contrast to eukaryotic DNA, which is enclosed within a nucleus.
- The genetic material of prokaryotes takes the form of a single, circular chromosome as opposed to the multiple, linear chromosomes found in eukaryotes.
- Prokaryotic chromosomes are supercoiled with the assistance of DNA gyrase, whereas eukaryotic chromosomes are packaged with histones to form structures such as heterochromatin, which are not found in prokaryotes.
To address the assertions from the question:
- Prokaryotic DNA does not contain uracil instead of thymine — both prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA contain thymine.
- Prokaryotic DNA is indeed not separated from the rest of the cell by a nuclear membrane.
- Prokaryotic DNA is packaged into a single chromosome, but it is a circular chromosome and can be considered organized within the nucleoid region.
- Prokaryotic DNA can and does get replicated during cell division, just like eukaryotic DNA.