Question

which of the following are characteristics of prokaryotes? select all that apply.
a) genes are contained in the nucleoid
b) genes are contained in the nucleus
c) have multiple organelles
d) unicellular organisms
e) have a polysaccharide capsule surrounding the cell
f) multicellular organisms
g) have no organelles
h) have a chitin cell wall surrounding the cell

Explanation:

• Option A: Prokaryotes have their genetic material (genes) in the nucleoid region (no membrane - bound nucleus), so this is correct.
• Option B: Prokaryotes lack a membrane - bound nucleus, so genes are not in a nucleus. This is incorrect.
• Option C: Prokaryotes have very few or no membrane - bound organelles. Having multiple organelles is a feature of eukaryotes. This is incorrect.
• Option D: Most prokaryotes are unicellular organisms (e.g., bacteria, archaea). This is correct.
• Option E: Some prokaryotes (like many bacteria) have a polysaccharide capsule surrounding the cell, which helps in protection and adhesion. This is correct.
• Option F: Prokaryotes are generally unicellular, not multicellular. Multicellularity is more common in eukaryotes. This is incorrect.
• Option G: Prokaryotes have no membrane - bound organelles (they may have ribosomes, but ribosomes are not membrane - bound). This is correct.
• Option H: Prokaryotic cell walls (in bacteria) are made of peptidoglycan, and in archaea, they have different compositions. Chitin - based cell walls are found in fungi (eukaryotes). This is incorrect.

Answer:

A) genes are contained in the nucleoid, D) unicellular organisms, E) have a polysaccharide capsule surrounding the cell, G) have no organelles