Question

Features held in common by prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Select the incorrect option(s)
A. Plasma membrane of similar construction
B. Cytoskeletal filaments built of proteins similar to actin and tubulin
C. Division of cells into nucleus and cytoplasm
D. Ability to ingest particulate material by phagocytosis

• A. A and B Only
• B. B and C Only
• C. C and D Only
• D. A and D Only

Hint:

Exclusive Eukaryotic Features:
1. Membrane-bound Nucleus.
2. Membrane-bound Organelles (Mitochondria, ER, Golgi).
3. Phagocytosis and Endocytosis capability.
Prokaryotes lack all of these!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify which of the listed cellular characteristics are NOT shared between prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms (i.e., features that are unique to eukaryotes).

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Differentiate prokaryotic and eukaryotic cellular features:
• Shared features: Phospholipid bilayer cell membranes, ribosomally-mediated translation, metabolic pathways, and homologous skeletal proteins (MreB/Actin, FtsZ/Tubulin).

• Eukaryote-exclusive features: Membrane-bound nucleus separating genome from cytoplasm, endomembrane organelle compartmentalization, and vesicular endocytosis/phagocytosis.

Step 3: Detailed Explation:

• Statement A (Shared): Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes possess plasma membranes formed by phospholipid bilayers embedded with proteins.

• Statement B (Shared): Prokaryotes possess cytoskeletal protein homologs structurally and functiolly similar to eukaryotic cytoskeleton (e.g., MreB is homologous to actin; FtsZ is homologous to tubulin).

• Statement C (Not Shared - Incorrect as a common feature): Prokaryotes lack a nuclear envelope; their genome sits directly in the cytoplasm within the nucleoid. Compartmentalization into distinct nuclear and cytoplasmic domains occurs strictly in eukaryotes.

• Statement D (Not Shared - Incorrect as a common feature): Phagocytosis requires complex vesicular endocytosis, dymic membrane remodeling, and molecular motor transport, which are entirely absent in prokaryotes.

Step 4: Fil Answer:
Statements C and D represent features exclusive to eukaryotes and are therefore incorrect as shared common features.