Final answer:
The main difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes lies in the presence of a membrane-bound nucleus in eukaryotes, which houses DNA, whereas prokaryotes have no such nucleus.
Step-by-step explanation:
One key difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes is the presence of a membrane-bound nucleus. Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus that houses their genetic material, or DNA, ensuring organized gene expression and facilitating complex cellular processes. In contrast, prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, lack a nucleus and their DNA resides in a region called the nucleoid.
Eukaryotic cells also possess multiple membrane-bound organelles, including mitochondria, endoplasmic reticula, and Golgi apparatuses, allowing for compartmentalization of cellular functions. Conversely, prokaryotes generally lack these structures but share basic components with eukaryotes, such as the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes—the site of protein synthesis. The distinction between the cellular organization of prokaryotes and eukaryotes is critical for understanding their respective complexities and capabilities.