Which organelles are specifically found in eukaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells are characterized by the presence of membrane-bound organelles, which include the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus. The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the synthesis and processing of proteins and lipids, while the Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages these molecules for transport to their destinations, either inside or outside the cell.

In contrast, ribosomes, while essential for protein synthesis, are not membrane-bound and are therefore also found in prokaryotic cells. A capsule, often present in prokaryotic cells, serves as a protective layer but is not found in eukaryotic cells. The nucleoid, which contains the genetic material in prokaryotic cells, differs significantly from the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, where the DNA is enclosed within a membrane. Thus, the ability of the ER and Golgi to compartmentalize cellular functions is a defining feature of eukaryotic cells, making them essential organelles exclusive to this type of cell.