1.Why are organelles absent in prokaryotes?

Question

1.Why are organelles absent in prokaryotes?

Answer 1

Organelles are absent in some prokaryotes because of their simplicity. Prokaryotes have very simple, plasmid (circular) DNA that is not centralized in a nucleus. It does not and cannot code for advanced compartmentalization of the cell; we therefore see fewer organelles. Be careful here, though, prokaryotes do have organelles, they just don't have a nucleus to store the DNA (for example, they have mitochondria for respiration; research by Lyn Margulis at the University of Massachusetts indicates that, by endosymbiosis, mitochondria were once free-floating prokaryotes that were absorbed into larger cells).

Answer 2

Endo-symbiotic origins are generally held to be true for the mitochondria and chloroplast organelles of a eukaryotic cell.

Like a separate single cell organism was enveloped by a larger one, this joining was suggested to lead to a mutually beneficial relationship.

Mitochondria actually contain their own set of DNA and ribosomes, while chloroplasts resemble cyanobacteria in form and function.

If true, it's very interesting. As for the rest I'm not sure if there are any hypotheses.

Answer 3

Isn't that a question of definition?  I thought the difference between eukaryotes and prokaryotes was the presence or absence of organelles.

Answer 4

iansand is right.  This is like asking "Why is water wet?"