What distinguishes prokaryotic ribosomes from eukaryotic ribosomes?

Prokaryotic ribosomes are fundamentally different from eukaryotic ribosomes in their structure and location. One of the key distinctions is that prokaryotic ribosomes are not associated with membrane-bound organelles. This is because prokaryotes, such as bacteria, lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, which are characteristic features of eukaryotic cells.

Prokaryotic ribosomes are also smaller in size (70S) compared to eukaryotic ribosomes (80S). This difference plays a role in the way protein synthesis occurs within the cell, as the ribosomes are directly involved in translating mRNA into proteins in the cytoplasm without the need for compartmentalization found in eukaryotic cells.

The other options presented do not accurately characterize the differences between the two types of ribosomes, further solidifying the importance of understanding that prokaryotic ribosomes indeed function independently of membrane-bound organelles. This distinction is crucial for studies in cellular biology and microbiology.