[Campbell Biology P.146] What is a key distinguishing feature between prokaryotic and eukary... | Practice Question
What is a key distinguishing feature between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells regarding the organization of their genetic material?
A: Prokaryotic cells have DNA organized into multiple linear chromosomes, while eukaryotic cells have a single circular chromosome.
B: In prokaryotic cells, DNA is located in a membrane-enclosed nucleus, whereas in eukaryotic cells, it is found in the nucleoid region.
C: Eukaryotic cells contain DNA within a membrane-bound organelle called the nucleus, while prokaryotic cells have their DNA concentrated in a non-membrane-enclosed region called the nucleoid.
D: Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells store their DNA within a true nucleus, but eukaryotic cells have additional DNA in plasmids.
Explanation
The text explicitly states: 'A major difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is the location of their DNA. In a eukaryotic cell, most of the DNA is in an organelle called the nucleus, which is bounded by a double membrane see Figure 6.8 . In a prokaryotic cell, the DNA is concentrated in a region that is not membrane-enclosed, called the nucleoid Figure 6.5 .'