which structure is common to both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells ?
a. mitochondria
b. cell membrane
c. endoplasmic reticulum
d. pladtids
cell membrane
nucleus
The correct answer is b. cell membrane. The cell membrane is a universal feature of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. It acts as a protective barrier, controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
The structure that is common to both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is the cell membrane.
To understand this, let's first define prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells are single-celled organisms without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells are more complex, with a nucleus and various membrane-bound organelles.
The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is a thin barrier that surrounds all types of cells. It separates the contents of the cell from its external environment and controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell. The cell membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which consists of two layers of phospholipids with embedded proteins.
While there are other structures like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and plastids that are present in eukaryotic cells, the cell membrane is the only structure that can be found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.