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Multiple Choice
Which structure would not be found in a prokaryotic cell?
A
Nucleus
B
Cell membrane
C
Ribosome
D
Cytoplasm
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the basic differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells are simpler and do not have membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells do.
Identify the structures listed in the problem: Nucleus, Cell membrane, Ribosome, and Cytoplasm.
Recall that a nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that houses the genetic material in eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus; their genetic material is located in a region called the nucleoid, which is not membrane-bound.
Consider the other structures: Cell membrane, Ribosome, and Cytoplasm. These are all found in prokaryotic cells. The cell membrane is essential for maintaining the cell's environment, ribosomes are necessary for protein synthesis, and cytoplasm is the gel-like substance where cellular processes occur.
Conclude that the structure not found in prokaryotic cells is the nucleus, as prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles.