What distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells are characterized by the presence of membrane-enclosed organelles, which is a key distinguishing feature that sets them apart from prokaryotic cells. In eukaryotic cells, various organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus are compartmentalized within membranes. This compartmentalization allows for greater specialization and organization of cellular functions.

In contrast, prokaryotic cells, which include bacteria and archaea, do not have such membrane-bound organelles. Their genetic material is typically found in a single circular DNA molecule within the cytoplasm, and they lack the complex structures seen in eukaryotic cells. The structural complexity and compartmentalization associated with eukaryotic cells enable them to perform more advanced metabolic processes and support multicellular organisms.

Presence of pili, which are hair-like structures on the surface of many prokaryotic cells, is not a defining feature of eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller than eukaryotic cells, but size alone does not distinguish the two groups functionally or structurally. Lastly, both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells contain genetic material; in eukary