Chapter 7, Problem 6A

Summary Introduction

To determine : The cell shown in the given photomicrograph.

Concept Introduction : There are two categories of cells; those that have membrane- bound organelles and those without membrane- bound organelles. Cells with membrane -bound organelles are called eukaryotes and those without membrane- bound organelles are called prokaryotes. Most cells are eukaryotes. For example, multicellular organisms have eukaryotic cells. Unicellular organisms like bacteria are prokaryotes.

Answer to Problem 6A

Option (A) Prokaryotic cell

Explanation of Solution

Option (A) Prokaryotic cell- The given photomicrograph shows a prokaryotic cell. It lacks any membrane bound cell organelles like mitochondria, nucleus, Golgi apparatus, chloroplast, etc. it is a simple cell having only a plasma membrane and a dense structure containing the nuclear material. Most unicellular organisms like bacteria are prokaryotic cells.

Conclusion

Option (B) Eukaryotic cell- This is not a eukaryotic cell as it does not have distinct cell organelles. Hence, this is an incorrect option. Option (C) Animal cell- This is not an animal cell as it does not have distinct membrane bound organelles. In the given photomicrograph, only one dense structure can be seen. Hence, this is an incorrect option.

Option (D) Plant cell- There is no vacuole, chloroplast and other organelles seen in the given photomicrograph. Hence, this is an incorrect option.