Question

students are looking at enlarged photographs of cells. one of the cells they see is pictured. they record the characteristics of this cell and identify the cell as a prokaryote. which characteristic identifies this cell as a prokaryote? a the cell lacks structures of locomotion. b the cell is protected by a capsule layer. c the cell is supported by a rigid cell wall. d the cell lacks membrane - bound organelles.

Explanation:

Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the absence of membrane - bound organelles. While some prokaryotes may have structures for locomotion (like flagella), be protected by a capsule layer, or have a rigid cell wall, these are not unique or defining characteristics of prokaryotes. The key defining feature that distinguishes prokaryotes from eukaryotes is the lack of membrane - bound organelles.

Answer:

D. The cell lacks membrane - bound organelles.