Eukaryotic cells are much more complex as compared to prokaryotes. Which one of the following structures is exclusively present in a eukaryotic cell?

The correct answer is Mitochondria.

Key Points

• Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles found exclusively in eukaryotic cells.
  • They play a crucial role in cellular respiration, producing energy (ATP) for the cell.
  • Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria.
• Therefore, the correct answer is mitochondria, as it is a eukaryotic-specific organelle not found in prokaryotic cells.

Additional Information

• Cell wall:
  • ​Both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells can have a cell wall.
  • In prokaryotes, such as bacteria, the cell wall is composed of peptidoglycan.
  • In eukaryotes, plant cells have a cell wall made of cellulose, and fungi have a cell wall made of chitin. 
• Plasma membrane:
  • Both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells have a plasma membrane, which is a lipid bilayer that surrounds the cell and controls the passage of substances in and out of the cell.
  • It is a fundamental structure in all types of cells.
• Nucleic acid:
  • Nucleic acids, specifically DNA, are found in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
  • However, the organization and location of the genetic material differ between the two cell types.
  • Eukaryotic cells have a membrane-bound nucleus that houses their DNA, while prokaryotic cells have a nucleoid region where the DNA is located, but it is not enclosed within a membrane.