Question

question #23
a student collects data about two types of cells and records the data in a table.
which inference about the cells is accurately supported with evidence?
a cyanobacteria and the maple leaf are classified similarly because both carry out the photosynthetic process.
b cyanobacteria and the maple leaf are classified similarly because both have cell membranes and cytoplasm.
c cyanobacteria and the maple leaf are classified differently because they differ in how they obtain their food.
d cyanobacteria and the maple leaf are classified differently because they differ in the locations of their genetic materials.

Explanation:

• Option A: Cyanobacteria are prokaryotes and maple - leaf cells are eukaryotes. Classification is not based on the ability to perform photosynthesis.
• Option B: Both prokaryotes (like cyanobacteria) and eukaryotes (like maple - leaf cells) have cell membranes and cytoplasm. But this is not the basis for similar classification. Classification at a higher level (prokaryote vs eukaryote) is based on more fundamental differences like the presence of membrane - bound organelles and a nucleus.
• Option C: Both cyanobacteria and maple - leaf cells are autotrophs (obtain food through photosynthesis). So, this is incorrect.
• Option D: Cyanobacteria (prokaryote) have genetic material (DNA) in the cytoplasm (no nucleus), while maple - leaf cells (eukaryote) have DNA inside a membrane - bound nucleus. This difference in the location of genetic material is a key factor in their different classifications (prokaryote vs eukaryote).

Answer:

D. Cyanobacteria and the maple leaf are classified differently because they differ in the locations of their genetic materials.