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Multiple Choice
Which characteristic is shared by both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
A
Presence of a nucleus
B
Containment of genetic material
C
Membrane-bound organelles
D
Ability to perform photosynthesis
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the basic definitions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells are simpler and do not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
Identify the key components that are common to all cells, regardless of being prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Both types of cells contain genetic material, which is essential for the storage and transmission of genetic information.
Consider the options given in the problem: presence of a nucleus, containment of genetic material, membrane-bound organelles, and ability to perform photosynthesis.
Evaluate each option based on the characteristics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The presence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles are exclusive to eukaryotic cells, while the ability to perform photosynthesis is not universal to all cells.
Conclude that the shared characteristic between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is the containment of genetic material, as both types of cells have DNA, although it is organized differently in each.