What distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells?

The distinguishing feature of eukaryotic cells compared to prokaryotic cells is the presence of membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotic cells are more complex, containing various organelles, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, all of which are surrounded by membranes. This compartmentalization allows for specialized functions within each organelle, enhancing the cell's efficiency and enabling more complex processes.

In contrast, prokaryotic cells, which include bacteria and archaea, do not have these membrane-bound organelles. Instead, their cellular processes occur in the cytoplasm, and they typically have a simpler structure overall. This difference in organization is fundamental to the classification of cells into prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary distinction between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. For instance, while a cell wall is present in many eukaryotic cells (like plants and fungi), it is not a feature that exclusively distinguishes eukaryotes from prokaryotes, as many bacteria (prokaryotes) also possess cell walls. Additionally, while prokaryotic cells are commonly unicellular, some eukary