Eukaryotic advantages — Why does internal compartmentalization make eukaryotic cells more efficient than prokaryotic cells?

Introduction / Context:
Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles that segregate biochemical pathways. This organization underlies complex multicellularity and high metabolic throughput, distinguishing them from prokaryotes that lack such internal membranes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Organelles include nuclei, mitochondria, ER, Golgi, lysosomes, peroxisomes, chloroplasts (in plants/algae).
• Enzymes and substrates can be concentrated locally.
• Transporters and gradients can be maintained across organelle membranes.

Concept / Approach:
Compartmentalization allows division of labor: mitochondria for ATP production, lysosomes for degradation, ER/Golgi for protein/lipid processing, and so on. This specialization improves efficiency, regulation, and parallel processing of pathways without cross-interference.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Biochemical fractionation shows distinct enzyme sets per organelle; perturbing one organelle selectively disrupts its pathway, demonstrating functional specialization.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Nutritional independence of compartments is not accurate; metabolites are exchanged.
• Merging tasks reduces specialization, contrary to the advantage.
• Cell size is not necessarily reduced; many eukaryotes are larger.
• Cytosolic enzymes remain essential; compartments complement, not replace, cytosol.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming compartments isolate everything completely; in reality, sophisticated transport links compartments for integrated metabolism.

Final Answer:
It allows for specialization through the subdivision of particular tasks