Which type of cell lacks a nucleus?

Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the absence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Instead, their genetic material is located in a region called the nucleoid, which is not enclosed by a membrane. This makes prokaryotic cells simpler in structure compared to eukaryotic cells, which do have a defined nucleus where their DNA is housed.

The distinction lies in the classification of organisms: prokaryotes include bacteria and archaea, whereas eukaryotes include plant, animal, and fungal cells, all of which contain a nucleus. Understanding this difference is crucial for grasping cell biology and the evolutionary relationships between different forms of life.

Therefore, the identification of prokaryotic cells as those lacking a nucleus highlights a fundamental aspect of cellular organization that is key to the understanding of life on Earth.