Question

a scientist is studying a cell and can clearly see that it has ribosomes and mitochondria. which statement best describes how the cell could be classified?
the cell is prokaryotic because it contains ribosomes.
the cell is prokaryotic because it contains mitochondria.
the cell is eukaryotic because it contains ribosomes.
the cell is eukaryotic because it contains mitochondria.

Explanation:

Prokaryotic cells lack membrane - bound organelles like mitochondria. Ribosomes are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Since the cell has mitochondria (a membrane - bound organelle), it cannot be prokaryotic. The presence of mitochondria is a characteristic of eukaryotic cells.

Answer:

The cell is eukaryotic because it contains mitochondria.