Which feature is typical of eukaryotic cells?

Which feature is typical of eukaryotic cells?

• A. They lack a nucleus.
• B. They are always unicellular.
• C. They have no genetic material.
• D. They possess a true nucleus enclosed by a membrane.

Answer: (D)

The feature being tested is the presence of a membrane-bound nucleus. Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane, which houses their genetic material. This arrangement distinguishes them from prokaryotic cells, which lack a membrane-bound nucleus and have DNA found in an open region of the cell. The other options don’t fit because a nucleus-free cell describes prokaryotes, eukaryotes are not limited to a single-cell form and many are multicellular, and all cells contain genetic material. The nucleus enclosed by a membrane is central to organizing and protecting the genome and allows compartmentalized gene expression.

The feature being tested is the presence of a membrane-bound nucleus. Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane, which houses their genetic material. This arrangement distinguishes them from prokaryotic cells, which lack a membrane-bound nucleus and have DNA found in an open region of the cell. The other options don’t fit because a nucleus-free cell describes prokaryotes, eukaryotes are not limited to a single-cell form and many are multicellular, and all cells contain genetic material. The nucleus enclosed by a membrane is central to organizing and protecting the genome and allows compartmentalized gene expression.