Categorize each feature as belonging to prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells, or both

Question:

Which cellular features belong to prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells, or both?

Answer:

The feature "DNA" belongs to both prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. The feature "nucleus" belongs only to eukaryotic cells.

The absence of a nucleus characterizes prokaryotic cells. In prokaryotes, the DNA is present as a circular molecule called the nucleoid region, which is not enclosed within a membrane-bound nucleus. Therefore, prokaryotic cells do possess DNA, but they lack a true nucleus. On the other hand, eukaryotic cells have a distinct nucleus that contains the DNA. The DNA in eukaryotic cells is organized into multiple linear chromosomes and is enclosed within a nuclear membrane, forming a well-defined nucleus. So, the feature "DNA" is found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. However, the feature "nucleus" is exclusive to eukaryotic cells.