Campbell Essential Biology (7th Edition)
Campbell Essential Biology (7th Edition)
7th Edition
ISBN: 9780134765037
Author: Eric J. Simon, Jean L. Dickey, Jane B. Reece
Publisher: PEARSON
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 4, Problem 1SQ

You look into a microscope and view an unknown cell. What might you see that would tell you whether the cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic?

  1. a. a rigid cell wall
  2. b. a nucleus
  3. c. a plasma membrane
  4. d. ribosomes
Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The cell can be defined as the functional, structural, and building unit of the living organisms. Basically, all the cells that exist on the Earth can be categorized into two different kinds, namely prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Answer to Problem 1SQ

Correct answer:

Prokaryotic cells lack the double membrane structures, whereas eukaryotic cells possess double membrane–bound organelles such as the nucleus. Therefore, option b. is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Reasons for the correct statement:

All the cells have deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) as the genetic material. DNA in prokaryotic cells is confined to a small region known as the nucleoid, and it is not membrane bound.

Eukaryotes have double membrane–bound structures including the nucleus, whereas prokaryotes lack any double membrane–bound structure. The membrane surrounding the nucleus is known as the nuclear membrane. The majority of the genetic material of eukaryotes is confined inside the nucleus.

Option b. is given as “a nucleus”.

The statement, “the nucleus is the structure which is present in the eukaryotes and not in the prokaryotes” is the right answer.

Hence, option b. is correct.

Reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option a. is given as “a rigid cell wall”.

A cell wall is a structure surrounding the cell and it provides the structural support to a cell. It is present in most of the prokaryotes and in some eukaryotes, including algae, fungi, and plants. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option c. is given as “a plasma membrane”.

The plasma membrane is a selectively permeable structure, which separates the exterior of the cell from the interior. Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes possess the plasma membrane. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option d. is given as “ribosomes”.

Ribosomes are the structures that are composed of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and proteins. Ribosomes play role in the synthesis of proteins. Prokaryotes have 70S (sedimentation coefficient) ribosomes, whereas eukaryotes have 80S ribosomes. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

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

Conclusion

The nucleus is present only in the eukaryotic cells and this double membrane–bound organelle is absent in prokaryotic cells. Thus, the presence of a nucleus can be utilized as a distinguishing feature to determine whether the unknown cell viewed under a microscope is prokaryotic or eukaryotic.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
What are biofertilizers and mention the significance
PCBs and River Otters: Otters in Washington State’s Green-Duwamish River have high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in their livers. PCBs can bind to the estrogen receptors in animals and disrupt the endocrine system of these otters. The PCBs seem to increase the estrogen to androgen ratio, skewing the ratio toward too much estrogen.     How would increased estrogen affect the river otter population? Based on your reading of the materials in this unit, what factors can affect fertility in humans?   Explain how each of the factors affecting human fertility that you described can disrupt the human endocrine system to affect reproduction.
Other than oil and alcohol, are there other liquids you could compare to water (that are liquid at room temperature)? How is water unique compared to these other liquids? What follow-up experiment would you like to do, and how would you relate it to your life?
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Complete Textbook Of Phlebotomy
Biology
ISBN:9781337464314
Author:Hoeltke
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Body Structures & Functions Updated
Biology
ISBN:9780357191606
Author:Scott
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Body Structures & Functions
Biology
ISBN:9781285695495
Author:Scott
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
BIOLOGY:CONCEPTS+APPL.(LOOSELEAF)
Biology
ISBN:9781305967359
Author:STARR
Publisher:CENGAGE L
Biology - Intro to Cell Structure - Quick Review!; Author: The Organic Chemistry Tutor;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwAJ8ByQH2U;License: Standard youtube license