In which type of organisms do you find organelles, as opposed to simpler structures?

Eukaryotic cells are distinguished by the presence of organelles, which are specialized structures that perform distinct functions within the cell. Examples of these organelles include the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. The compartmentalization of functions into organelles allows eukaryotic cells to carry out complex processes more efficiently compared to simpler structures found in prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria and archaea.

In comparison, prokaryotic cells, which include both bacterial and archaean cells, do not possess membrane-bound organelles. Instead, their cellular functions primarily take place within the cytoplasm and are often associated with structures like ribosomes, which are not considered organelles because they lack membranes. Therefore, the presence of organelles is a key characteristic that defines eukaryotic cells, setting them apart from their prokaryotic counterparts.