Which characteristic is typical of prokaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells are characterized by their simple structure, one of the most notable features being the presence of a cell wall. This cell wall provides structural support and protection, helping to maintain the shape of the cell. In many prokaryotes, the cell wall is composed of peptidoglycan, which differentiates them from eukaryotic cells that may have a different composition in their cell walls, such as cellulose in plants or chitin in fungi.

The other characteristics mentioned in the choices do not apply to prokaryotic cells. They lack membrane-bound organelles, which are present in eukaryotic cells, and they do not have a defined nucleus, as their genetic material is typically organized in a single, circular chromosome located in a region called the nucleoid. Lastly, prokaryotes are predominantly unicellular organisms, whereas multicellular structures are a characteristic of eukaryotic organisms. Thus, the presence of a cell wall stands out as a typical feature of prokaryotic cells.