Final answer:
The incorrect statement is c) Eukaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles, unlike prokaryotes. In reality, eukaryotic cells have such organelles while prokaryotic cells do not. Additionally, prokaryotes, which are usually single-celled, were the first type of organism to evolve before eukaryotes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing and contrasting eukaryotes and prokaryotes, several distinctions are evident. Statement c) is NOT true because it is actually eukaryotes that have membrane-bound organelles, unlike prokaryotes which lack such structures. Eukaryotes have a true nucleus that encloses their DNA, while prokaryotic genetic material is located in a region called nucleoid. Statement d) is also incorrect as prokaryotes are typically single-celled organisms like bacteria, rather than multicellular. Prokaryotes are smaller and simpler in structure than eukaryotes, lacking a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Their DNA is typically a single circular molecule that resides in an area called the nucleoid. On the other hand, eukaryotic cells are generally larger and contain a nucleus surrounded by a membrane, as well as other organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts for specific functions.
- Prokaryotic cells do not have mitochondria - True.
- Prokaryotic cells do not have DNA - False. Prokaryotic cells do have DNA, though not enclosed within a true nucleus.
- All single-celled organisms are prokaryotes - False. There are also single-celled eukaryotes, like certain algae and protozoa.
As for which type of organism evolved first, it is widely accepted that prokaryotes were the first to evolve. This makes sense considering their simpler structure and the evolutionary principle that life likely began in its simplest form.