Final Answer:
All of the following cell components are found in prokaryotic cells EXCEPT Nucleus. Thus the correct answer is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prokaryotic cells, such as those found in bacteria and archaea, lack a true nucleus, which distinguishes them from eukaryotic cells. Options a, b, and d (Ribosomes, Cell membrane, and Cytoplasm) are all components present in prokaryotic cells. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, the cell membrane defines the cell boundary, and the cytoplasm contains the cell's internal components. However, prokaryotic cells do not have a membrane-bound nucleus like eukaryotic cells; instead, their genetic material is typically found in a region called the nucleoid. Therefore, the correct answer is option c.
The absence of a nucleus in prokaryotic cells reflects a fundamental difference in cellular organization between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In prokaryotic cells, genetic material is usually a single circular DNA molecule located in the nucleoid, lacking the protective membrane seen in eukaryotic cells. This structural distinction has implications for the complexity of cellular functions and the organization of genetic information. Prokaryotic cells showcase simplicity and efficiency, often thriving in diverse environments due to their streamlined structure and adaptability.
In summary, while prokaryotic cells contain ribosomes, a cell membrane, and cytoplasm, they lack a true nucleus. This absence of a membrane-bound nucleus is a defining characteristic that sets prokaryotic cells apart from eukaryotic cells, marking a fundamental distinction in cellular structure and organization.