A student observed cells of a familiar species under a microscope. Analyze the observations the student recorded in the chart below. 1. Ribosomes are present. 2. Genetic material is present. 3. No membrane bound organelles. 4. Cell wall is present. Which of the following observations supports the student’s conclusion that the species is a prokaryote? (1 point)
option 1
option 2
option 3
option 4
option 3
Option 3 supports the student's conclusion that the species is a prokaryote. Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles, so the absence of these organelles supports the idea that the species is a prokaryote.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 3.
To determine which observation supports the conclusion that the species is a prokaryote, we need to first understand the characteristics of prokaryotes. Prokaryotes are single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
Looking at the observations provided:
1. Ribosomes are present: Ribosomes are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, so this observation does not provide specific support for a prokaryotic species.
2. Genetic material is present: Genetic material (DNA or RNA) is also present in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This observation does not definitively support a prokaryotic species.
3. No membrane-bound organelles: This observation supports the idea of a prokaryotic species, as prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles. In contrast, eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus.
4. Cell wall is present: This observation is another characteristic of prokaryotes. Prokaryotes have cell walls, which serve as a protective barrier. In contrast, not all eukaryotic cells have cell walls (e.g., animal cells do not have cell walls).
Based on the observations provided, option 3 ("No membrane-bound organelles") is the observation that supports the conclusion that the species is a prokaryote.