Which statement accurately describes prokaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the absence of membrane-bound organelles, which is a fundamental trait that differentiates them from eukaryotic cells. In prokaryotes, such as bacteria and archaea, the cellular structure is simpler and does not include compartments encased in membranes, which are typical of eukaryotic cells. This lack of compartmentalization enables prokaryotic cells to have a more direct interaction with their environment and to carry out all necessary cellular functions without the division of labor found in more complex cells.

The other statements illustrate features associated with eukaryotic cells or are not applicable to prokaryotes. For instance, prokaryotic cells do not possess a defined nucleus; instead, their genetic material is located in a nucleoid region. They are also primarily unicellular organisms, with few exceptions leading to multicellular arrangements in specific instances, unlike the broad multicellularity seen in eukaryotes. Additionally, prokaryotic DNA is typically circular rather than linear, which distinguishes it further from the DNA structure of eukaryotic cells.