Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology (6th Edition)
Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology (6th Edition)
6th Edition
ISBN: 9780134711751
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 block of the living organisms. Basically, all the cells existing on the earth can be categorized into two different kinds, namely- prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Answer to Problem 1SQ

Correct answer: The prokaryotic cells lack the double membrane structure including the nucleus. The eukaryotic cells have double membrane-bound organelles. Therefore, option b. is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Reasons for the correct statement:

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

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

Option b. is given as "a nucleus".

As, “the nucleus is the only structure in the cells 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”.

The cell wall is the structure which surrounds some of the cells and provides structural support to the cell. It is present in most of the prokaryotes and some eukaryotes including algae, fungi, and plants. So, it is a wrong answer.

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

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

Option d. is given as “ribosomes”.

The ribosomes are the structures comprised of RNA (ribonucleic acid) and proteins. They help in the synthesis of proteins. The prokaryotes have 70S (sedimentation coefficient) ribosomes, whereas the eukaryotes have 80S ribosomes. So, it is a wrong answer.

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

Conclusion

The nucleus is present only in the eukaryotic cells; the prokaryotic cells lack any double-membrane-bound organelle. So, it is the distinguishing feature of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell.

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 is NOT present in both a prokaryotic cell and an eukaryotic cell? A. cytoplasm B. plasma membrane C. ribosome D. the endomembrane system
Which organelle does the cell depend on for its energy needs? a. endoplasmic reticulum b. ribosome c. lysosome  d. mitochondrion
Describe how the size of prokaryotic cells compares to that of eukaryotic cells.   A. they are about the same size   B. prokaryotic cells are larger than eukaryotic cells   C. eukaryotic cells are larger than prokaryotic cells
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
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:OpenStax
Text book image
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781259398629
Author:McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa Stouter
Publisher:Mcgraw Hill Education,
Text book image
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780815344322
Author:Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Text book image
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781260159363
Author:Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, Cynthia
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.
Text book image
Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9781260231700
Author:Sylvia S. Mader, Michael Windelspecht
Publisher:McGraw Hill Education
Biology - Intro to Cell Structure - Quick Review!; Author: The Organic Chemistry Tutor;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwAJ8ByQH2U;License: Standard youtube license