What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

The distinction between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells primarily revolves around the presence of a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotic cells contain a true nucleus, which houses the cell's genetic material and is surrounded by a nuclear membrane. This organization allows for more complex regulation of gene expression and cellular processes. In addition to a defined nucleus, eukaryotic cells are equipped with various membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the Golgi apparatus. These organelles perform specialized functions, contributing to the efficiency and compartmentalization of biochemical processes within the cell.

Prokaryotic cells, on the other hand, lack a defined nucleus; their genetic material is not enclosed within a membrane but is instead found in a region called the nucleoid. Moreover, prokaryotic cells do not possess membrane-bound organelles. This fundamental structural difference is key to understanding the complexity and versatility of eukaryotic cells compared to prokaryotic cells. Therefore, the presence of a defined nucleus and organelles in eukaryotic cells indeed sets them apart in terms of cellular organization and function.