A prokaryotic cell is characterized by 

The correct answer is absence of nuclear membrane.
Key PointsOrganisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus are called prokaryotes.

• A prokaryotic cell does not contain a well-defined nucleus.
• All prokaryotes have a cell wall surrounding the cell membrane except in mycoplasma.
• The nucleolus is absent in prokaryotic cells.
• The fluid matrix filling the prokaryotic cell is the cytoplasm.
• Membrane-bound cell organelles are absent in prokaryotes.
• In prokaryotes, cell division takes place by fission or budding.
• Blue-green algae, bacteria, and mycoplasma are examples of prokaryotes.

Additional Information

• Organisms that have membrane-bound nuclei are called eukaryotes.
• In eukaryotes, cell division takes place by mitosis or meiosis.
• All living organisms are made up of cells.
• ​Cell is the basic structure and functional unit of life.
• The study of cells is called cytology.
• The word 'cell' was first coined by Robert Hook in 1665.