Question

Which of the following is a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?

• A. Presence of a defined nucleus
• B. Presence of membrane-bound organelles
• C. Presence of ribosomes
• D. Presence of multiple linear chromosomes

Hint:

Prokaryotic cells are simpler than eukaryotic cells, lacking a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles but still possessing ribosomes for protein synthesis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Prokaryotic cells are simple, unicellular organisms that lack a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. - Option (1) is incorrect: Prokaryotic cells do not have a defined nucleus; their genetic material is located in a region called the nucleoid.
- Option (2) is incorrect: Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, which are found in eukaryotic cells.
- Option (3) is correct: Prokaryotic cells contain ribosomes, which are responsible for protein synthesis, just like in eukaryotic cells. However, they lack the membrane-bound structures that are present in eukaryotes.
- Option (4) is incorrect: Prokaryotic cells typically have a single circular chromosome, not multiple linear chromosomes like eukaryotic cells.
Thus, the characteristic feature of prokaryotic cells is the presence of ribosomes.