Which description correctly contrasts the nucleus and organelles between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Which description correctly contrasts the nucleus and organelles between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

• A. Prokaryotes have a nucleus with linear DNA.
• B. Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles with circular DNA; eukaryotes have a nucleus with linear DNA and organelles.
• C. Prokaryotes have mitochondria but no nucleus.
• D. Prokaryotes have multiple membranes around the DNA.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how cellular organization differs between prokaryotes and eukaryotes: presence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Prokaryotes do not have a true nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, and their DNA is typically circular and located in a nucleoid region rather than enclosed in a membrane. Eukaryotes, on the other hand, house their DNA inside a nucleus with linear chromosomes and contain many membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. This description directly contrasts those features: prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles and have circular DNA, while eukaryotes have a nucleus with linear DNA and organelles. The other options misstate these fundamental differences (for example, proposing a nucleus in prokaryotes, or mitochondria in prokaryotes, or DNA wrapped in multiple membranes around the DNA).

The key idea is how cellular organization differs between prokaryotes and eukaryotes: presence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Prokaryotes do not have a true nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, and their DNA is typically circular and located in a nucleoid region rather than enclosed in a membrane. Eukaryotes, on the other hand, house their DNA inside a nucleus with linear chromosomes and contain many membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. This description directly contrasts those features: prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles and have circular DNA, while eukaryotes have a nucleus with linear DNA and organelles. The other options misstate these fundamental differences (for example, proposing a nucleus in prokaryotes, or mitochondria in prokaryotes, or DNA wrapped in multiple membranes around the DNA).