Question

Difficulty: EasyCell Biology, Genetics, and Evolution

Regarding the structural characteristics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, which of the following statements are correct?

  1. Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum.Answer
  2. B
    Prokaryotic cells contain 80S ribosomes suspended freely in their cytoplasm.
  3. Prokaryotic genetic material is typically organized as a single circular double-stranded DNA molecule located in the nucleoid region.Answer
  4. D
    The cell wall of bacteria is primarily made of cellulose, identical to that found in plant cell walls.

Answer

The correct statements are that prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles such as the nucleus and mitochondria, and their genetic material is typically organized as a single circular double-stranded DNA molecule located in the nucleoid region.
Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the absence of membrane-bound organelles and a true nucleus. Their genetic material is located in a nucleoid region as a circular double-stranded DNA molecule.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze organelle structure in prokaryotes
Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound internal compartments including a true nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum.
This is a defining biological distinction between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
2
Evaluate ribosome size differences
Prokaryotes possess 70S ribosomes, while eukaryotes possess 80S ribosomes in their cytoplasm.
Ribosomal sedimentation coefficient differs between the two domains of life.
3
Examine nuclear material organization
Prokaryotic DNA is non-enclosed, naked circular double-stranded DNA present in the nucleoid.
Linear DNA in a membrane-bound nucleus is unique to eukaryotes.
4
Verify cell wall composition
Bacterial cell walls consist of peptidoglycan, whereas plant cell walls consist of cellulose.
Cell wall chemical compositions vary distinctly between kingdoms.

Key Concept

Structural differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
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