Question

which statement best compares eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells?
○ eukaryotic cells are smaller than prokaryotic cells.
○ prokaryotic cells are more complex than eukaryotic cells.
○ prokaryotic cells contain a distinct central organelle, and eukaryotic cells do not.
○ eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles, and prokaryotic cells do not.

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option 1: Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller than eukaryotic cells, so the statement "Eukaryotic cells are smaller than prokaryotic cells" is wrong.
2. Analyze Option 2: Eukaryotic cells have a more complex structure with various membrane - bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells have a simpler structure. So "Prokaryotic cells are more complex than eukaryotic cells" is incorrect.
3. Analyze Option 3: Eukaryotic cells have a distinct central organelle (nucleus, which is membrane - bound), while prokaryotic cells do not have a true nucleus. So this statement is reversed and wrong.
4. Analyze Option 4: One of the key differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells is that eukaryotic cells have membrane - bound organelles (like nucleus, mitochondria, etc.) and prokaryotic cells lack them. This statement is correct.

Answer:

D. Eukaryotic cells contain membrane - bound organelles, and prokaryotic cells do not.