Final answer:
Neither options a, b, c, d, nor e accurately capture the major difference; both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell membranes have similar structures, but eukaryotic membranes contain sterols and specialized lipids that prokaryotic membranes do not.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major difference between the prokaryotic cell membrane and the eukaryotic cell membrane is chiefly in the complexity and the presence of sterols and specialized lipids in eukaryotes, but this option is not listed. Therefore, none of the above options (a through e) correctly identify a major difference because both prokaryotic and eukaryotic membranes share features such as cellular respiration (to some extent), phospholipid bilayers, integral proteins, and selective permeability.
Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell membranes are composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins that regulate selective passage of substances. However, eukaryotic membranes also contain sterol compounds, such as cholesterol, which is not found in most prokaryotic membranes. Additionally, eukaryotic cells often have a variety of specialized lipids like sphingolipids, that contribute to cell signaling and stability, while prokaryotic cells generally do not.