Common structures of prokaryotic cells | Exit Quiz | Oak National Academy

Which of the following would you usually find in a prokaryotic cell?

• chloroplasts

• mitochondria

• ribosomes

• nucleus

Answer explanation

Ribosomes are not membrane bound and therefore are found in prokaryotic cells. Mitochondria, chloroplasts and the nucleus are all membrane bound and therefore not found in prokaryotic cells.

Where is the DNA found in prokaryotic cells?

• nucleus

• cell wall

• cytoplasm

• flagellum

Answer explanation

The DNA in prokaryotic cells is found floating in the cytoplasm.

Bacterial cell walls are usually made up of which substance?

• cellulose

• peptidoglycan

• amylase

• glycogen

Answer explanation

Bacterial cell walls are often made from a substance called peptidoglycan.

What is the process by which bacterial cells divide?

• mitosis

• meiosis

• binary fission

• photosynthesis

Answer explanation

Bacteria divide by a process called binary fission. During this process, the chromosomal loop of DNA replicates and the cell splits into two genetically identical cells.

Match the term to its correct definition.

• nucleus

• Short ring of DNA that can cause variation when transferred.

• prokaryotic

• A type of cell with no nucleus, usually between 1-5 µm in length.

• plasmid

• A type of cell with a nucleus, usually between 5-100 µm in length.

• eukaryotic

• A membrane bound sub-cellular structure that usually contains DNA.

Answer explanation

Prokaryotic cells are smaller than eukaryotic cells and do not contain a nucleus; the DNA is free floating in the cytoplasm. They also contain plasmids which are rings of DNA that can be transferred to give rise to variation.

Which statements below are true?

• During binary fission, the DNA splits in half.

• Two genetically identical cells are produced during binary fission.

• Prokaryotic cells are usually more complex than eukaryotic cells.

• Prokaryotic cells usually contain a cell wall, cytoplasm and a cell membrane.

Answer explanation

During binary fission the DNA is replicated and the cell splits to form two genetically identical cells. Prokaryotic cells are usually simpler than eukaryotic cells.