Question

Which of the following is/are NOT characteristic(s) of a prokaryotic cell?
A. Nucleolus
B. Mitosis
C. Binary fission
D. 80S ribosome
E. Circular DNA
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B, D only
• B. A, B, D, E only
• C. C, E only
• D. A, D only

Hint:

Prokaryotes lack a nucleolus and nuclear membrane, do not undergo mitosis, and possess 70S ribosomes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Prokaryotic cells (bacteria and archaea) differ fundamentally from eukaryotic cells in sub-cellular compartmentalization and division mechanisms.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Analyzing each cellular feature:
- Nucleolus (A): Present only in eukaryotes (prokaryotes lack membrane-bound nucleus/nucleolus) $\to$ NOT prokaryotic.
- Mitosis (B): Mitotic spindle division occurs only in eukaryotes (prokaryotes divide by amitotic binary fission) $\to$ NOT prokaryotic.
- Binary fission (C): Standard prokaryotic division mechanism $\to$ Characteristic of prokaryotes.
- 80S ribosome (D): Found in eukaryotic cytoplasm (prokaryotes possess 70S ribosomes consisting of 50S and 30S subunits) $\to$ NOT prokaryotic.
- Circular DNA (E): Typical covalently closed circular chromosomal/plasmid DNA $\to$ Characteristic of prokaryotes.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, features A, B, and D only are NOT characteristics of prokaryotic cells.