Prokaryotic cells differ from eukaryotic cells in the :

Options

A. presence of cell membrane
B. absence of histones
C. presence of chromosomes
D. absence of cell wall

Explanation

To answer the question regarding how prokaryotic cells differ from eukaryotic cells, we can analyze the provided options systematically.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Cell Membrane**:
- Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have a cell membrane. This is not a distinguishing feature between the two types of cells.

**Hint**: Remember that the cell membrane is a common feature of all cells.

2. **Histones**:
- Prokaryotic cells do not have histones, which are proteins that help package DNA in eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells utilize histones to condense their DNA into a more compact structure.

**Hint**: Consider the role of histones in DNA packaging and how it differs in prokaryotes.

3. **Chromosomes**:
- Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells contain chromosomes. However, the structure and number of chromosomes differ. Prokaryotes typically have a single, circular chromosome, while eukaryotes have multiple, linear chromosomes.

**Hint**: Think about the organization of genetic material in both cell types.

4. **Cell Wall**:
- Prokaryotic cells, particularly bacteria and archaea, have a complex cell wall made of peptidoglycan. In contrast, eukaryotic cells only have a cell wall in some organisms, like fungi, and it is simpler.

**Hint**: Reflect on the presence of cell walls and their composition in different organisms.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is the **absence of histones** in prokaryotic cells. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that prokaryotic cells differ from eukaryotic cells in the absence of histones.

### Final Answer:
**The correct option is: Absence of histones.**