Which of the following is/are a primary difference(s) between all prokaryotes and eukaryotic cells?

• A. Prokaryotes have DNA that floats freely in the cytoplasm.
• B. Prokaryotes are significantly smaller than eukaryotic cells.
• C. Prokaryotes do not have ribosomes like eukaryotic cells.
• D. a and b.
• E. a, b, and c

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a defined nucleus and organelles.
2. Examine the statement: 'Prokaryotes have DNA that floats freely in the cytoplasm.' This is true because prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus, so their DNA is located in the nucleoid region within the cytoplasm.
3. Consider the statement: 'Prokaryotes are significantly smaller than eukaryotic cells.' This is generally true, as prokaryotic cells are typically much smaller in size compared to eukaryotic cells.
4. Evaluate the statement: 'Prokaryotes do not have ribosomes like eukaryotic cells.' This is false because both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have ribosomes, although they differ in size and structure.
5. Based on the analysis, the primary differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotic cells are described in statements a and b, making the correct answer 'a and b.'