What structures do eukaryotic cells possess that are typically absent in prokaryotic cells?

Study for the Penn Foster Biology – The Cell Test. Enhance your understanding with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each equipped with hints and explanations. Prepare to succeed on your exam!

Eukaryotic cells are characterized by the presence of membrane-bound organelles, including a nucleus, which is a key feature that distinguishes them from prokaryotic cells. The nucleus serves as a storage location for the cell's genetic material and is surrounded by a nuclear membrane, allowing for a compartmentalization of processes such as transcription and translation that occur in different areas of the cell.

In addition to the nucleus, eukaryotic cells also contain various other membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, which perform specific functions essential for the cell's life processes. This compartmentalization allows for greater complexity and efficiency in cellular functions compared to prokaryotic cells, which lack these structures and do not have their genetic material enclosed within a membrane.

The other options noted may include structures that eukaryotic cells possess, but they do not capture the full distinction regarding the presence of membrane-bound organelles. For example, while some prokaryotic cells can have a cell wall, the presence of a nucleus and other organelles like lysosomes is what unequivocally distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells. Overall, the answer encompasses the unique structural organization

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy