Question

1. what is a key characteristic of prokaryotic cells?

they contain a distinct, membrane-bound nucleus
they lack membrane-bound organelles
they are typically larger than eukaryotic cells
they reproduce through mitosis

Explanation:

To determine the key characteristic of prokaryotic cells, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Prokaryotic cells do not have a membrane - bound nucleus (eukaryotic cells do), so this is incorrect.
• Option 2: Prokaryotic cells lack membrane - bound organelles (like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum etc.), which is a defining feature. Eukaryotic cells have these membrane - bound organelles.
• Option 3: Prokaryotic cells are typically smaller than eukaryotic cells, so this is incorrect.
• Option 4: Prokaryotic cells reproduce through binary fission, while eukaryotic cells reproduce through mitosis (and meiosis for gametes), so this is incorrect.

Answer:

B. They lack membrane - bound organelles (assuming the second option is labeled as B; if the original options had different labels, adjust the label accordingly based on the option "They lack membrane - bound organelles")