None of the provided statements accurately distinguish prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells.
For clarity:
- A) Only prokaryotic cells have a cell wall: This statement is misleading. While it’s true that many prokaryotic cells possess a cell wall, some eukaryotic cells, like plants and fungi, also have cell walls made of cellulose and chitin, respectively.
- B) Prokaryotic cells are much larger than eukaryotic cells: This statement is incorrect. In fact, prokaryotic cells are generally smaller than eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotes typically measure around 0.1 to 5.0 micrometers, while eukaryotic cells are usually 10 to 100 micrometers in diameter.
- C) Prokaryotic cells have flagella and cilia on their surfaces but eukaryotic cells do not: This statement is also incorrect. While prokaryotic cells can have flagella, eukaryotic cells can also have cilia and flagella composed of different structures. Eukaryotic flagella and cilia are made of microtubules and are more complex than their prokaryotic counterparts.
Thus, a correct distinction between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells lies in their structural complexity, with eukaryotic cells having membrane-bound organelles and a defined nucleus, whereas prokaryotic cells are simpler and do not have these features.