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Ch. 3 - Introduction to Prokaryotic Cells
Norman-McKay- Microbiology: Basic and Clinical Principles 2nd Edition
Norman-McKay2nd EditionMicrobiology: Basic and Clinical PrinciplesISBN: 9780137661619Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksNorman-McKay 2nd EditionCh. 3 - Introduction to Prokaryotic CellsProblem 1
Chapter 3, Problem 1

Which of the following options include prokaryotic cells? Select all that apply.
a. Eukarya
b. Archaea
c. Protista
d. Bacteria
e. Fungi

Verified step by step guidance
1
Recall the definition of prokaryotic cells: these are cells that lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Prokaryotes include organisms from the domains Bacteria and Archaea.
Review each option and identify whether it belongs to a domain or kingdom of prokaryotic or eukaryotic organisms:
a. Eukarya - This domain includes all eukaryotic organisms, which have true nuclei, so these are not prokaryotic cells.
b. Archaea - This domain consists of prokaryotic cells that often live in extreme environments, so these are prokaryotic cells.
c. Protista, d. Bacteria, and e. Fungi - Protista and Fungi are eukaryotic kingdoms, while Bacteria is a domain of prokaryotic cells. Therefore, Bacteria is prokaryotic, while Protista and Fungi are not.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have these structures. Understanding this distinction helps identify which domains or kingdoms contain prokaryotes, such as Bacteria and Archaea, versus eukaryotes like Protista and Fungi.
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Domains of Life

Life is classified into three domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. Bacteria and Archaea consist of prokaryotic organisms, whereas Eukarya includes all eukaryotic organisms such as plants, animals, fungi, and protists. Recognizing these domains aids in categorizing organisms correctly.
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Characteristics of Archaea and Bacteria

Both Archaea and Bacteria are prokaryotes but differ in genetic makeup and membrane composition. Archaea often live in extreme environments, while Bacteria are more widespread. Knowing their unique traits helps distinguish them from eukaryotic groups.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Indicate the true statements about prokaryotic cells, and then reword the false statements so that they are true.

a. They have 80S ribosomes.

b. They sexually reproduce by meiosis.

c. Cell walls underlie the plasma membrane.

d. They synthesize proteins with the help of ribosomes.

e. They can store nutrients in inclusion bodies.

f. Fimbriae are used for motility.

g. Archaea and Bacteria can be classified using the Gram stain.

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Textbook Question

Bacteria cell walls tend to contain:

a. Peptidoglycan.

b. Lipid bilayers.

c. Cholesterol.

d. Pseudomurein.

e. Flagellin.

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Textbook Question

Select any of the following characteristics that would NOT apply to prokaryotes.

a. Generally simpler than eukaryotes

b. Multicellular

c. Lack a true nucleus

d. Tend to have a single circular chromosome

e. Often lack a cell wall

f. All make endospores

g. Divide by mitosis

h. Includes the Domain Archaea

i. Includes the Domain Bacteria

j. Includes the Domain Eukarya

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