ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)General Science (GS)Medium
A scientist is studying a newly discovered organism and observes that it lacks a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Its genetic material is freely located in the cytoplasm. This organism is most likely a(n):
- Aplant
- Beukaryote
- Cprokaryote
- Dfungus
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. prokaryote
Prokaryotic cells are defined by the absence of a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, with their genetic material typically found in a region called the nucleoid within the cytoplasm. Eukaryotic cells (including fungi and plants) possess a true nucleus and organelles.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Plants are eukaryotes and possess a nucleus and organelles like chloroplasts.
- B. Eukaryotes have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
- D. Fungi are eukaryotes and possess a nucleus.
Prokaryote
A single-celled organism that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus, mitochondria, or any other membrane-bound organelle.
- Genetic material (DNA) is in the cytoplasm (nucleoid region).
- Includes bacteria and archaea.
- Generally smaller and simpler in structure than eukaryotic cells.
Memory trick: Pro-no nucleus, Eu-true nucleus.