Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which characteristic is shared by both prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
A
Ability to perform photosynthesis
B
Presence of membrane-bound organelles
C
Presence of a nucleus
D
Containment of DNA
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic definitions: Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotes are organisms whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within membranes.
Identify the key cellular components: Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes contain DNA, which is the genetic material responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information.
Differentiate between the cellular structures: Prokaryotes do not have membrane-bound organelles or a nucleus, whereas eukaryotes do. This means that the presence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles are not shared characteristics.
Consider the ability to perform photosynthesis: While some prokaryotes (like cyanobacteria) and eukaryotes (like plants) can perform photosynthesis, it is not a universal characteristic shared by all members of both groups.
Conclude with the shared characteristic: The containment of DNA is a fundamental characteristic shared by both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, as it is essential for the function and reproduction of all living cells.