Quiz Champion

The biggest distinction between a eukaryotic cell and a prokaryotic cell is:

  • The mode of reproduction
  • The overall size
  • The presence or absence of certain organelles
  • The presence or absence of a nucleus
Explanation

The biggest distinction between a eukaryotic cell and a prokaryotic cell is the presence or absence of a nucleus. Eukaryotic cells have a well-defined nucleus enclosed within a membrane, which contains the genetic material in the form of chromosomes. In contrast, prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus and their genetic material is found in a region called the nucleoid, which is not separated by a membrane. The presence of a nucleus in eukaryotic cells allows for more complex genomic organization and regulation of genetic material, including the ability to compartmentalize specific cellular processes. On the other hand, the absence of a nucleus in prokaryotic cells contributes to their smaller size and simpler structure, leading to differences in cellular organization and functionality.