Bacterial cells are prokaryotic. Unlike a typical eukaryotic cell, they __________.

• A. lack chromosomes
• B. have a smaller nucleus
• C. lack a plasma membrane
• D. have no ribosomes
• E. have no membrane-bounded organelles in their cytoplasm

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells, like bacterial cells, do not have a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles, whereas eukaryotic cells do.
2. Recognize that prokaryotic cells do have genetic material, but it is not enclosed within a nucleus. Instead, it is typically found in a region called the nucleoid.
3. Identify that prokaryotic cells do have a plasma membrane, which is essential for maintaining the cell's environment and allowing the transport of substances in and out of the cell.
4. Acknowledge that prokaryotic cells do have ribosomes, which are necessary for protein synthesis, although they are smaller than those found in eukaryotic cells.
5. Conclude that the key feature distinguishing prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells is the absence of membrane-bound organelles, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum, in their cytoplasm.