Which statement about prokaryotes is true?

Which statement about prokaryotes is true?

• A. They have a nucleus
• B. They have mitochondria
• C. They have chloroplasts
• D. They lack membrane-bound organelles

Answer: (D)

Prokaryotes are simple cells that do not enclose their genetic material in a true nucleus and do not compartmentalize cellular functions into membrane-bound organelles. Their DNA sits in a region called the nucleoid, not inside a membrane-bound nucleus, and essential processes occur in the cytoplasm or on the cytoplasmic membrane. They also lack organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, which in eukaryotic cells are enclosed by membranes and arise via endosymbiosis. So the statement that best describes prokaryotes is that they lack membrane-bound organelles. The other options describe features (a nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts) that prokaryotes do not have.

Prokaryotes are simple cells that do not enclose their genetic material in a true nucleus and do not compartmentalize cellular functions into membrane-bound organelles. Their DNA sits in a region called the nucleoid, not inside a membrane-bound nucleus, and essential processes occur in the cytoplasm or on the cytoplasmic membrane. They also lack organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, which in eukaryotic cells are enclosed by membranes and arise via endosymbiosis. So the statement that best describes prokaryotes is that they lack membrane-bound organelles. The other options describe features (a nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts) that prokaryotes do not have.