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Multiple Choice
Which of these organisms is the best model of a prokaryotic cell?
A
Homo sapiens
B
Drosophila melanogaster
C
Escherichia coli
D
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the characteristics of prokaryotic cells: Prokaryotic cells are unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. They are generally smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells.
Identify the organisms listed: Homo sapiens (humans), Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly), Escherichia coli (a type of bacteria), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast).
Classify each organism: Homo sapiens and Drosophila melanogaster are eukaryotic organisms with complex cell structures, including a nucleus. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is also a eukaryote, specifically a type of yeast.
Recognize that Escherichia coli is a bacterium, which is a type of prokaryotic organism. Bacteria are the most common examples of prokaryotic cells.
Conclude that Escherichia coli is the best model organism for studying prokaryotic cells due to its simple structure and the fact that it is a well-studied bacterium.