Florida Biology EOC Practice Test 2025 - Free Biology End-of-Course Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is that eukaryotic cells possess a defined nucleus, whereas prokaryotic cells do not. In eukaryotic cells, the nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that houses the cell’s genetic material (DNA) and separates it from the cytoplasm. This organization allows for more complex processes, such as transcription and translation, to be compartmentalized and regulated more effectively.

Prokaryotic cells, which are generally simpler and smaller, have their genetic material dispersed throughout the cytoplasm in a region called the nucleoid. This distinct lack of a nuclear membrane means that transcription and translation can occur simultaneously in prokaryotic cells. The presence of a nucleus in eukaryotic cells is fundamental for the complexity of processes such as cellular division, gene expression, and the overall organization of the cell.

The other options do not accurately capture the primary distinction: prokaryotic cells are typically smaller than eukaryotic cells, both types of cells have cell membranes, and prokaryotic cells are not exclusively found in microorganisms, as some can also be found in extreme environments.