A group of students was asked to list some of the similarities and differences between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. They created the table shown above. The students made a mistake in creating their table. Which statement best describes their mistake?
a) Both prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells possess a nucleus.
b) Both prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells are enclosed by a plasma membrane
c) Eukaryotic cells possess ribosomes, while prokaryotic cells do not.
Both pro kayo tic and eukaryotic cells are enclosed by a plasma membrane
The answer is B :)
Well, it seems like the students made quite the blunder! The mistake lies in option c) Eukaryotic cells possess ribosomes, while prokaryotic cells do not. In reality, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have ribosomes to carry out their protein synthesis. In fact, ribosomes are essential components of cells, no matter how big or small they may be! So, it looks like these students need to revisit their biology books and ribosome-rize their knowledge!
The mistake made by the students is c) Eukaryotic cells possess ribosomes, while prokaryotic cells do not. This statement is incorrect because both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells possess ribosomes. The correct difference would be that eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum, whereas prokaryotic cells do not have membrane-bound organelles.
To identify the mistake made by the students in their table, we need to compare the statements in the table with our knowledge of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Looking at the options given:
a) Both prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells possess a nucleus.
b) Both prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells are enclosed by a plasma membrane.
c) Eukaryotic cells possess ribosomes, while prokaryotic cells do not.
To determine if any of these statements are correct, we need to understand the characteristics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells:
- Prokaryotic cells: These cells do not have a distinct nucleus and lack membrane-bound organelles. Their genetic material is not enclosed within a membrane. They have a plasma membrane, but no nucleus.
- Eukaryotic cells: These cells have a distinct nucleus and contain membrane-bound organelles. Their genetic material is enclosed within a membrane. They also have a plasma membrane.
We can now compare this information with the statements in the table:
a) Both prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells possess a nucleus: This statement is incorrect because only eukaryotic cells possess a nucleus. Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus.
b) Both prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells are enclosed by a plasma membrane: This statement is correct. Both types of cells have a plasma membrane.
c) Eukaryotic cells possess ribosomes, while prokaryotic cells do not: This statement is incorrect. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have ribosomes. However, their ribosomes differ slightly in size and composition.
Therefore, the mistake made by the students is statement a) "Both prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells possess a nucleus."