Which type of cell contains a membrane-bound nucleus?

Eukaryotic cells are characterized by the presence of a membrane-bound nucleus, which distinguishes them from prokaryotic cells. In eukaryotic cells, the nucleus houses the cell’s genetic material (DNA) and is surrounded by a nuclear membrane, allowing for more complex regulation of gene expression and cell function. This compartmentalization is one of the key features that enable eukaryotic cells to develop into multicellular organisms and carry out specialized functions.

Prokaryotic cells, on the other hand, do not contain a membrane-bound nucleus. Their genetic material is located in a region called the nucleoid, which is not enclosed by a membrane. This fundamental difference in cell structure is what sets eukaryotes apart from prokaryotes, such as bacteria. While both animal cells and bacterial cells fit under the broader categories of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, respectively, the defining characteristic of a membrane-bound nucleus is specific to eukaryotic cells.