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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes a key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
A
Prokaryotic cells contain mitochondria, while eukaryotic cells do not.
B
Prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus, while eukaryotic cells have a membrane-bound nucleus.
C
Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells lack ribosomes.
D
Eukaryotic cells have circular DNA, while prokaryotic cells have linear DNA.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the fundamental differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells are simpler and lack membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells are more complex and contain membrane-bound organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and others.
Step 2: Analyze the first option: 'Prokaryotic cells contain mitochondria, while eukaryotic cells do not.' This statement is incorrect because mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles found only in eukaryotic cells, not prokaryotic cells.
Step 3: Evaluate the second option: 'Prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus, while eukaryotic cells have a membrane-bound nucleus.' This statement is correct because prokaryotic cells have their genetic material freely floating in the cytoplasm (nucleoid region), whereas eukaryotic cells enclose their genetic material within a membrane-bound nucleus.
Step 4: Examine the third option: 'Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells lack ribosomes.' This statement is incorrect because both cell types contain ribosomes, which are essential for protein synthesis. However, the structure and size of ribosomes differ slightly between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Step 5: Assess the fourth option: 'Eukaryotic cells have circular DNA, while prokaryotic cells have linear DNA.' This statement is incorrect because prokaryotic cells typically have circular DNA, while eukaryotic cells have linear DNA organized into chromosomes within the nucleus.