Which of the following best describes prokaryotic cells?

• A. They have a nucleus with multiple linear chromosomes.
• B. They have a nucleus that contains circular DNA.
• C. They lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles and have circular DNA.
• D. They have mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Answer: (C)

Prokaryotic cells are defined by not having a true nucleus, lacking membrane-bound organelles, and typically containing circular DNA. This means their genetic material sits in the cytoplasm in a region called the nucleoid rather than inside a nucleus, and they do not have organelles like mitochondria or chloroplasts. Descriptions that claim a nucleus exists (even with circular DNA) or that mention mitochondria and chloroplasts would describe eukaryotic cells, not prokaryotes. The key idea is the absence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, paired with circular DNA.