What structure do eukaryotic cells possess that prokaryotic cells do not?

Eukaryotic cells are characterized by the presence of a nucleus, which houses the genetic material (DNA) and is surrounded by a nuclear membrane. This compartmentalization is a defining feature of eukaryotes, allowing for specialized functions within the cell, such as the regulation of gene expression and the separation of transcription (RNA synthesis) from translation (protein synthesis). In contrast, prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, do not have a true nucleus; their DNA is typically located in a region called the nucleoid, which is not surrounded by a membrane.

While both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells share structures such as a plasma membrane, ribosomes, and cytoplasm, the nucleus is distinctly eukaryotic. The presence of a nucleus facilitates more complex regulatory mechanisms and cellular processes in eukaryotic organisms, contributing to their greater diversity and complexity compared to prokaryotes.