Which characteristic is shared by all prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

All prokaryotes and eukaryotes share the characteristic of being able to store hereditary information, primarily in the form of DNA. This genetic material is essential for the processes of replication, transcription, and translation which ultimately guide the development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms.

Regardless of their structural differences, both types of cells use DNA to pass on genetic information to subsequent generations. In prokaryotes, this hereditary information is typically found in a single circular chromosome located in the cytoplasm, while in eukaryotes, it is contained within linear chromosomes located inside the nucleus. This fundamental aspect of biology illustrates the shared lineage of all life forms and underscores a key component of cellular function and inheritance.

The other options represent features not common to both groups. For example, organelles are specific to eukaryotic cells, while cellular respiration can occur in varied forms depending on whether the organism is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Similarly, the ability to move in response to stimuli is not universally applicable to all prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Thus, the ability to store hereditary information is indeed a fundamental characteristic that unites both categories of organisms.