Florida Biology EOC Practice Test

Which kingdom consists of prokaryotic, unicellular organisms that reproduce by binary fission and have cell walls with peptidoglycan?

1. Animalia

2. Archaebacteria

3. Bacteria

4. Protista

The correct answer is: Animalia

The correct answer is the kingdom that includes prokaryotic, unicellular organisms with cell walls containing peptidoglycan, which is characteristic of bacteria. Bacteria are distinguished by their simple cellular structure, lacking a nucleus, and they reproduce asexually through binary fission, a process where a single cell divides into two identical cells. Their cell walls are primarily composed of peptidoglycan, which provides structural support and is a key feature that helps to identify and classify them within the broader categories of life. While Archaebacteria also consist of unicellular prokaryotes, their cell walls lack peptidoglycan and have unique compositions, distinguishing them from true bacteria. The kingdoms Animalia and Protista do not include prokaryotic organisms; Animalia represents multicellular eukaryotic organisms, and Protista encompasses a diverse group of primarily unicellular eukaryotes. Therefore, the characteristics of prokaryotic, unicellular, peptidoglycan-containing organisms correctly point to bacteria as the answer.