Which of the following best describes a prokaryotic cell?

• A. It lacks membrane-bound organelles
• B. It contains a defined nucleus
• C. It has mitochondria
• D. It has a large central vacuole

Answer: (A)

Prokaryotic cells are defined by the absence of membrane-bound organelles. Their DNA sits in a nucleoid region, not inside a membrane-enclosed nucleus, and they do not have mitochondria, chloroplasts, or other compartments surrounded by membranes. They do have ribosomes, but these are not housed within a membrane-bound organelle. In contrast, eukaryotic cells contain a true nucleus and various membrane-bound organelles. A large central vacuole is typical of plant cells and isn’t a feature of prokaryotes. So, the best description is that prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles.