Question

What is a prokaryotic cell?
A. It is primitive in organization
B. It has a nucleoid
C. Both A and B
D. None of these

Answer 1

Hint: Prokaryotic cells comprise bacteria and Archaea. Their genetic material isn't stored within a membrane-bound nucleus. Instead, it is stored in a nucleoid that floats in the cell's cytoplasm.

Complete Answer:
- Prokaryotic cells are normally smaller than eukaryotic cells, with a typical size range of 0.1 to 5 micrometer in diameter.
- Prokaryotic cells are primitive as they lack membrane bound cell organelles. The genetic material of a prokaryotic cell is a single chromosome made up of a single strand of DNA. Prokaryotes have a cell membrane or plasma membrane that acts like a protective cover. They also have a rigid cell wall for added support and protection. Prokaryotic cells have ribosomes, which are molecules that make proteins.
- Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus, but, instead, generally have a single chromosome: a piece of circular, double-stranded DNA located in an area of the cell called the nucleoid.

Thus, the correct option is C) Both A and B.

Note: The characteristics of prokaryotic cells are,
- They do not have a cell membrane.
- Their cell wall is made up of amino acids and carbohydrates.
- They can divide asexually by binary fission and sexually by conjugation.
- Mitochondria, chloroplast, golgi bodies and lysosomes are not present.
- Plasma membrane is present and it also functions as a mitochondrial membrane.