Question

Which of the following is a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?

• A. They have a well-defined nucleus.
• B. They lack a plasma membrane.
• C. They have ribosomes but no membrane-bound organelles.
• D. They have a mitochondria.

Hint:

Prokaryotic cells are simpler and smaller than eukaryotic cells and lack membrane-bound organelles, including the nucleus.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Prokaryotic cells are simple, unicellular organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria or the endoplasmic reticulum. However, they do have ribosomes, which are the sites of protein synthesis. Unlike eukaryotic cells, which have a distinct, membrane-bound nucleus, prokaryotes have their genetic material in a single, circular chromosome located in a region called the nucleoid. Thus, prokaryotic cells have ribosomes but lack membrane-bound organelles.