Biology: Concepts and Investigations
Biology: Concepts and Investigations
5th Edition
ISBN: 9781260259049
Author: Hoefnagels
Publisher: MCG
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Chapter 17, Problem 1MCQ

A prokaryotic cell is one that

  1. a. lacks DNA.
  2. b. has membrane-bounded organelles.
  3. c. lacks a nucleus.
  4. d. lacks a plasma membrane.
Expert Solution & Answer
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Summary Introduction

Introduction:

A prokaryotic cell is a primitive cell with unbound organelles and genetic material. It makes up the two of the three domains which are Bacteria and Archaea. They have less organelles and lesser specializations.

Answer to Problem 1MCQ

Correct answer:

A prokaryotic cell lacks the nucleus. Therefore, option c. is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct statement:

The prokaryotes have a single DNA strand, lacking histones and even a membrane. The DNA is just present in the cytoplasm like other organelles. It is called a nucleoid. The proper double membrane bound nucleus found in eukaryotes is missing in prokaryotes.

Option c. is given as “lacks a nucleus”.

As, “a prokaryotic cell is one that lacks a nucleus”, is the right answer.

Hence, the option c. is correct.

Reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option a. is given as “lacks DNA”.

DNA is the carrier of all the hereditary information. It is present in all the organisms. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option b. is given as “has membrane-bounded organelles”.

A prokaryotic cell does not have any membrane bound organelles. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option d. is given as “lacks a plasma membrane”.

Plasma membrane encloses the cytoplasm of a cell. It is present in all the cells. So, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options a., b. and d. are incorrect.

Conclusion

One very distinctive feature between eukaryotes and prokaryotes is the presence and absence of nucleus, respectively.

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Students have asked these similar questions
Prokaryotic cells lack: A. nucleolus B. nuclear membrane C. membrane bound by organelles D. All of these
Prokaryotic cells contain all of the following, excepta. cytoplasm.b. plasma membrane.c. DNA.d. a nucleus.
Which of the following best distinguishes a prokaryotic cell from aeukaryotic cell?a. Prokaryotic cells have a cell wall, but eukaryotic cells never do.b. Prokaryotic cells are much larger than eukaryotic cells.c. Prokaryotic cells have flagella, but eukaryotic cells do not.d. Prokaryotic cells do not have a membrane-bound nucleus,but eukaryotic cells do have such a nucleus.e. Prokaryotic cells have ribosomes, but eukaryotic cells do nothave ribosomes.

Chapter 17 Solutions

Biology: Concepts and Investigations

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