Which of the following is a characteristic of eukaryotic cells?

The characteristic that distinguishes eukaryotic cells is the presence of a nuclear membrane. In eukaryotic cells, the nucleus is surrounded by a nuclear membrane (also known as the nuclear envelope), which separates the genetic material from the cytoplasm. This compartmentalization is crucial for the regulation of gene expression and DNA replication, allowing for more complex control of cellular processes compared to prokaryotic cells, which lack a defined nucleus.

Additionally, eukaryotic cells typically contain various membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, which perform specialized functions. This feature contrasts with prokaryotic cells, which do not have these membrane-bound organelles or a nuclear membrane. The other options mentioned do not represent characteristics of eukaryotic cells; for instance, binary fission is a method of asexual reproduction used primarily by prokaryotes, and eukaryotic cells contain DNA, making the absence of DNA an incorrect statement.