Key Features of Prokaryotic Cells

Steps:

• Recall prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles like mitochondria.
• Identify statement 1 as having a cell wall (true for most bacteria).
• Identify statement 2 as having a nucleus (false, DNA is in nucleoid).
• Identify statement 3 as having ribosomes (true, for protein synthesis).
• Identify statement 4 as having mitochondria (false, no membrane-bound organelles).

Why C is correct:

• Prokaryotes have a cell wall and ribosomes but lack a nucleus, matching statements 1 and 3 per cell theory definitions.

Why the others are wrong:

• A includes 2, which incorrectly attributes a nucleus to prokaryotes.
• B includes 4, which wrongly implies mitochondria in prokaryotes.
• D includes 2 and 4, both false features.

Final answer: C