Which statement best describes a difference between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells?

The statement that highlights the presence of membrane-bound organelles in eukaryotic cells underscores a key distinction between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Eukaryotic cells have a well-defined structure that includes various membrane-bound organelles, such as the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, and others. These organelles allow for compartmentalization of cellular processes, which enhances efficiency and specialization within the cell.

In contrast, prokaryotic cells lack these membrane-bound structures and generally have a simpler organization. Their genetic material is located in the nucleoid region rather than a defined nucleus, and they typically have fewer specialized structures to carry out cellular functions. This difference in cellular complexity means that eukaryotic cells can perform more complex physiological functions and support multicellularity, whereas prokaryotes are usually unicellular organisms.

The implications of these structural differences are significant in understanding the evolution of life. The presence of organized, membrane-bound compartments in eukaryotic cells is a hallmark of increased complexity and allows eukaryotes to carry out specialized functions that prokaryotes cannot.