What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the absence of membrane-bound organelles, including a nucleus. This fundamental structural difference sets them apart from eukaryotic cells, which do contain a nucleus and various organelles, each surrounded by membranes.

In prokaryotic cells, the genetic material is not enclosed within a membrane; instead, it is typically found in a region known as the nucleoid. This simplicity in structure is one of the hallmarks of prokaryotes, which include bacteria and archaea.

The other options highlight features that are not true for prokaryotic cells. For instance, prokaryotic cells are generally smaller and less complex than eukaryotic cells, which contradicts the claim of them being larger and more complex. Furthermore, while some prokaryotic cells may have cell walls composed of peptidoglycan, they do not typically contain cellulose as seen in plant cell walls, and prokaryotic cells lack the organized internal structure seen in eukaryotic cells.