One key difference between eukaryotes and prokaryotes is that eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles, including a defined nucleus, while prokaryotes do not. Specifically:
- a. The statement that prokaryotes are surrounded by a cell membrane and eukaryotes are not is incorrect. Both cell types have a cell membrane.
- b. Prokaryotes do not have a nucleus, which is a defining feature of eukaryotic cells.
- c. Eukaryotes contain DNA, but so do prokaryotes; however, prokaryotic DNA is not enclosed within a nucleus.
- d. Eukaryotes have membranes surrounding their organelles, while prokaryotes generally do not have such membrane-bound structures.
In summary, the most significant difference is that eukaryotes possess a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, whereas prokaryotes lack these structures.