Which structures are commonly found in prokaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells are characterized by their relatively simple structure and lack of membrane-bound organelles. The most common structures found in these cells include cytoplasm and a cell wall. Cytoplasm is the gel-like substance within the cell membrane where various cellular processes occur and where ribosomes are located. The cell wall is a crucial protective layer that gives the cell shape and protects it from environmental stress, making it an essential feature of prokaryotic cells.

In contrast, structures such as the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, chloroplasts, and Golgi complex are typically associated with eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells have a defined nucleus containing genetic material and numerous organelles enclosed by membranes, which is not the case with prokaryotic cells. Thus, options that include these membrane-bound organelles do not accurately represent the characteristics of prokaryotic cells.