Florida Biology EOC Practice Test

Which of the following statements is true for prokaryotic cells?

1. They have a nucleus

2. They are always multicellular

3. They contain DNA and lack a nucleus

4. They contain many organelles

The correct answer is: They contain DNA and lack a nucleus

The statement that prokaryotic cells contain DNA and lack a nucleus is accurate. Prokaryotic cells, which include bacteria and archaea, are characterized by their simpler structure compared to eukaryotic cells. Unlike eukaryotic cells, which have a defined nucleus where their DNA is housed, prokaryotic cells have their genetic material located in a region called the nucleoid. This lack of a nucleus is one of the defining features of prokaryotic organisms. Additionally, prokaryotic cells do contain DNA, which is essential for their functions and reproduction. In contrast, prokaryotic cells are generally unicellular rather than multicellular, and while they do contain certain structures that perform specific functions, they typically have fewer organelles than eukaryotic cells.