* Presence of a nucleus: This is the defining characteristic of eukaryotic cells. The nucleus houses the cell's DNA and is surrounded by a double membrane.
* Presence of membrane-bound organelles: Eukaryotic cells have many internal compartments enclosed by membranes, such as mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, and vacuoles.
* Larger size: Eukaryotic cells are generally much larger than prokaryotic cells.
* More complex internal structure: Eukaryotic cells have a more intricate internal organization compared to prokaryotes.
Example:
If you observe a cell under a microscope and see a distinct nucleus, along with other internal compartments like mitochondria, you can confidently conclude that it is a eukaryotic cell.
