Question: What are the distinguishing characteristics of prokaryotes?
My Answer: Prokaryotes range in size from 1 to 5 micrometers, making them much smaller than most eukaryoteic cells. Prokaryotes can be divided into two very different groups Eubacteria and Archaebacteria.
Am i answering the question right? Is there more i can add? Please Help!
these are the primitive organisms contain nucleoid without nuclear membrane,membrane bound cell organelles are absent except 70s ribosomes.
Your answer does touch on some key points about prokaryotes, but there are some additional distinguishing characteristics that you can include to provide a more comprehensive answer. Here are a few more characteristics of prokaryotes that you may want to mention:
1. Lack of membrane-bound organelles: Prokaryotic cells do not possess membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, or Golgi apparatus, which are typically found in eukaryotic cells.
2. Simplicity of internal structure: Prokaryotes generally have a simpler internal structure compared to eukaryotes. They lack a defined nucleus and their genetic material is found in the form of a single circular molecule of DNA, usually located in an area called the nucleoid.
3. Absence of a nuclear membrane: Unlike eukaryotic cells, which have a well-defined nucleus enclosed within a nuclear membrane, prokaryotes lack this structure. The genetic material in prokaryotes is not enclosed within a membrane-bound nucleus.
4. Presence of cell walls: Most prokaryotes have a cell wall, which surrounds the cell membrane and provides structural support and protection. The composition of the cell wall can vary depending on the type of prokaryote.
5. Reproduction through binary fission: Prokaryotes reproduce asexually through a process called binary fission, where one cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells. This form of reproduction allows for rapid population growth.
Including these additional characteristics will further enhance your answer and provide a more complete understanding of how prokaryotes are distinct from eukaryotes.