Question 10 (1 point)
LIsten

Which of the following is most precisely the defining difference between eukaryotes and prokaryotes?
A) Eukaryotes are always multicellular, prokaryotes are always unicellular
B) Eukaryotes only have their chromosomal DNA, prokaryotes also have extrachromosomal DNA in the form of plasmids
C) Prokaryotes store their DNA in a membrane envelope, eukaryotes do not
D) Eukaryotes have membranes inside the cell which form organelles, prokaryotes cannot have membranous organelles

Question

Question 10 (1 point)
LIsten

Which of the following is most precisely the defining difference between eukaryotes and prokaryotes?
A) Eukaryotes are always multicellular, prokaryotes are always unicellular
B) Eukaryotes only have their chromosomal DNA, prokaryotes also have extrachromosomal DNA in the form of plasmids
C) Prokaryotes store their DNA in a membrane envelope, eukaryotes do not
D) Eukaryotes have membranes inside the cell which form organelles, prokaryotes cannot have membranous organelles

UpStudy AI · Accepted Answer

**Step 1: Analyze Option A**  
Option A states that $$ 	ext{Eukaryotes are always multicellular, prokaryotes are always unicellular} $$. This is incorrect because there are unicellular eukaryotes (such as many protozoa) and even some multicellular prokaryotic colonies.

**Step 2: Analyze Option B**  
Option B states that $$ 	ext{Eukaryotes only have their chromosomal DNA, prokaryotes also have extrachromosomal DNA in the form of plasmids} $$. Although many prokaryotes have plasmids, the presence or absence of plasmids is not the defining feature separating eukaryotes from prokaryotes. Moreover, eukaryotes also have extrachromosomal DNA (for example, mitochondrial DNA or chloroplast DNA).

**Step 3: Analyze Option C**  
Option C states that $$ 	ext{Prokaryotes store their DNA in a membrane envelope, eukaryotes do not} $$. This is incorrect because it is actually eukaryotes that store their DNA within a membrane-bound nucleus, whereas prokaryotes have a nucleoid region without a surrounding membrane.

**Step 4: Analyze Option D**  
Option D states that $$ 	ext{Eukaryotes have membranes inside the cell which form organelles, prokaryotes cannot have membranous organelles} $$. This is the precise and defining difference. Eukaryotes have complex internal structures including a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles (such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, etc.), while prokaryotes lack these membrane-bound compartments.

**Final Answer:**  
$$ 	ext{D} $$
Eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotes do not.

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