Final answer:
Prokaryotic cells have a single, circular chromosome located in a nucleoid, while eukaryotic cells have multiple, rod-shaped chromosomes contained within a membrane-bound nucleus.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in regard to their genetic material is the number of chromosomes present. Prokaryotic cells typically have a single, circular chromosome that is not contained within a nucleus, instead, it is found in a region called the nucleoid.
In contrast, eukaryotic cells contain multiple, rod-shaped chromosomes within a membrane-bound nucleus, often referred to as a "true nucleus" due to its distinct boundary separating it from the cytoplasm. This distinct compartmentalization is part of what allows eukaryotic cells to manage more complex and larger genetic material compared to prokaryotes.