Which statement is true about prokaryotic cells?

Which statement is true about prokaryotic cells?

• A. They have a defined nucleus.
• B. Transcription and translation can occur simultaneously.
• C. They contain mitochondria.
• D. They have membrane-bound organelles.

Answer: (B)

In prokaryotic cells, transcription and translation can occur simultaneously because there is no nucleus to separate these processes. The genetic material is located in the cytoplasm within a region called the nucleoid, so as mRNA is being transcribed by RNA polymerase, ribosomes can begin translating it right away. This immediate coupling is a hallmark of prokaryotic gene expression, contrasting with eukaryotic cells where transcription happens in the nucleus and translation occurs later in the cytoplasm after mRNA processing. The other statements mismatch prokaryotic organization: there is no defined nucleus, they lack mitochondria, and they do not have membrane-bound organelles.

In prokaryotic cells, transcription and translation can occur simultaneously because there is no nucleus to separate these processes. The genetic material is located in the cytoplasm within a region called the nucleoid, so as mRNA is being transcribed by RNA polymerase, ribosomes can begin translating it right away. This immediate coupling is a hallmark of prokaryotic gene expression, contrasting with eukaryotic cells where transcription happens in the nucleus and translation occurs later in the cytoplasm after mRNA processing.

The other statements mismatch prokaryotic organization: there is no defined nucleus, they lack mitochondria, and they do not have membrane-bound organelles.