Question

which statement best compares eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells?

1. eukaryotic cells are smaller than prokaryotic cells.
2. prokaryotic cells are more complex than eukaryotic cells.
3. prokaryotic cells contain a distinct central organelle, and eukaryotic cells do not.
4. eukaryotic cells contain membrane - bound organelles, and prokaryotic cells do not

Explanation:

• Eukaryotic cells are generally larger than prokaryotic cells. So, the statement "Eukaryotic cells are smaller than prokaryotic cells" is incorrect.
• Eukaryotic cells are more complex than prokaryotic cells as they have a variety of membrane - bound organelles and a well - defined nucleus. So, the statement "Prokaryotic cells are more complex than eukaryotic cells" is wrong.
• Eukaryotic cells have a distinct central organelle (the nucleus), while prokaryotic cells do not have a membrane - bound nucleus. So, the statement "Prokaryotic cells contain a distinct central organelle, and eukaryotic cells do not" is incorrect.
• A key difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells is that eukaryotic cells contain membrane - bound organelles (such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, etc.) and prokaryotic cells do not.

Answer:

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