[Campbell Biology P.626] Which of the following statements accurately describes the internal... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes the internal organization and genetic material of prokaryotes, according to the text? Select all that apply

  • A: Prokaryotic cells typically contain multiple linear chromosomes.
  • B: Prokaryotes lack a membrane-enclosed nucleus, with their chromosome located in the nucleoid.
  • C: Specialized membranes, which are infoldings of the plasma membrane, can perform metabolic functions in some prokaryotes.
  • D: Prokaryotic chromosomes are associated with many more proteins than eukaryotic chromosomes.
  • E: Plasmids are small, independently replicating DNA molecules often found in prokaryotic cells.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: 'Prokaryotes lack a nucleus; their chromosome is located in the nucleoid, a region of cytoplasm that is not enclosed by a membrane.' B is correct . It also mentions: 'some prokaryotic cells do have specialized membranes that perform metabolic functions... These membranes are usually infoldings of the plasma membrane.' C is correct . And 'In addition to its single chromosome, a typical prokaryotic cell may also have much smaller rings of independently replicating DNA molecules called plasmids' E is correct . Options A and D are incorrect as prokaryotes typically have one circular chromosome and it's associated with fewer proteins than eukaryotic chromosomes.