Question

What characteristics distinguish prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

a. Eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles; prokaryotes do not.
b. Prokaryotes have relatively little DNA; eukaryotes generally have much more.
c. Eukaryotic chromosomes are linear; prokaryotic chromosomes are circular.
d. Prokaryotes possess a unique flagellum.
e. all of the above.

Answer 1

Prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles, have circular DNA, and may carry a flagellum, unlike eukaryotic cells, which have a true nucleus, multiple membrane-bound organelles, and linear chromosomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Differences between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ in several key ways:

• Eukaryotic cells have a membrane-bound nucleus; prokaryotic cells do not.
• Prokaryotic cells generally lack membrane-bound organelles.
• Eukaryotic cells contain multiple, linear chromosomes, while prokaryotic cells typically have a single, circular chromosome.
• Prokaryotes may possess a unique structure like a flagellum.

However, it is significant to note that both cell types share some common structures, such as the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, DNA, and ribosomes. Eukaryotic cells also include a variety of membrane-bound organelles with specific functions like the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and mitochondria, which allow for greater complexity and specialization.