A)
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)
Observation 1
Observation 2
Observation 3
Observation 4
Observation 3 supports the student's conclusion that the species is a prokaryote. Prokaryotes do not have membrane-bound organelles, unlike eukaryotic cells which do have membrane-bound organelles.
The observation that supports the student's conclusion that the species is a prokaryote is Observation 3: No membrane bound organelles. Prokaryotes are characterized by the absence of membrane-bound organelles, such as a nucleus, mitochondria, or endoplasmic reticulum.
To determine which observation supports the student's conclusion that the species is a prokaryote, we need to understand the characteristics of prokaryotes.
Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. They have genetic material (DNA) that is not enclosed within a nucleus and usually have a cell wall.
Let's examine each of the observations given:
1. Ribosomes are present: This observation is not specific to prokaryotes since ribosomes are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
2. Genetic material is present: This observation is not specific to prokaryotes either, as genetic material is found in all living organisms.
3. No membrane-bound organelles: This observation supports the conclusion that the species is a prokaryote. Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, etc.
4. Cell wall is present: This observation also supports the conclusion that the species is a prokaryote. Prokaryotes typically have a cell wall made of peptidoglycan or other materials.
Therefore, the correct answer is Observation 3: No membrane-bound organelles.