Which statement best describes prokaryotic cells?

• A. They have membrane-bound organelles
• B. They are larger than eukaryotic cells
• C. They have a nucleus
• D. They have no nucleus and no membrane-bound organelles

Answer: (C)

Prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Their DNA sits in a nucleoid region inside the cell, not enclosed by a membrane, and they don’t have organelles like mitochondria or chloroplasts. This simpler internal organization is a hallmark of prokaryotes, which are usually smaller than many eukaryotic cells. Bacteria and archaea are examples of prokaryotes. So the statement that best describes prokaryotic cells is that they have no nucleus and no membrane-bound organelles.