Discovering Cell Types: Eukaryote or Prokaryote?

Is this cell a eukaryote or a prokaryote?

Which of the following statements accurately describes the cell under review?

• A. This is a prokaryote because it has ribosomes that synthesize proteins.
• B. This is a eukaryote because it has a nucleus.
• C. This is a prokaryote because it has a cell wall.
• D. This is a eukaryote because only eukaryotes have cell walls.

Final Answer:

The cell described is a prokaryote because it has ribosomes but no nucleus, distinguishing it from eukaryotes.

The cell under review is identified as a prokaryote based on its characteristics. Prokaryotes are simple cells that lack a nucleus with a membrane and other membrane-bound organelles. They typically have ribosomes that float freely in the cytoplasm to synthesize proteins.

In this case, the presence of ribosomes in the cell indicates that it is capable of protein synthesis, which is a key feature of prokaryotic cells. The absence of a nucleus enclosed in a membrane further supports this classification.

While eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, the cell under review lacks these structures, leading to the conclusion that it is a prokaryote.

It is important to note that the presence of a cell wall does not determine the classification of a cell as a eukaryote or prokaryote, as both types of cells can possess cell walls. The key factors in distinguishing between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells lie in the presence or absence of specific cellular structures, such as the nucleus in this case.