Questions on Prokaryotes
Multiple-Choice Questions: Prokaryotes
1. What is a defining feature of prokaryotic cells?
A) Presence of a nucleus
B) Presence of mitochondria
C) Lack of a membrane-bound nucleus
D) Multicellular structure
E) DNA stored in the nucleolus
2. Which of the following organisms are prokaryotes?
A) Fungi
B) Protists
C) Archaea and Bacteria
D) Algae
E) Plants
3. The genetic material of prokaryotes is located in the:
A) Nucleus
B) Mitochondria
C) Endoplasmic reticulum
D) Nucleoid region
E) Golgi apparatus
4. Which structure is found in all prokaryotes?
A) Mitochondria
B) Endoplasmic reticulum
C) Cell membrane
D) Chloroplasts
E) Nucleus
5. Which statement about prokaryotic DNA is true?
A) It is linear and wrapped around histones
B) It is enclosed in a nuclear envelope
C) It is found in multiple chromosomes
D) It is circular and located in the cytoplasm
E) It undergoes mitosis
6. The small, circular DNA molecules in prokaryotes that replicate independently are called:
A) Chromosomes
B) Plasmids
C) Ribosomes
D) Lysosomes
E) Nucleosomes
7. Which of the following is not a domain that contains prokaryotic organisms?
A) Bacteria
B) Archaea
C) Eukarya
D) None of the above
E) Both A and B
8. Prokaryotic ribosomes are best described as:
A) 80S, located in the nucleus
B) 70S, floating freely in the cytoplasm
C) Bound to endoplasmic reticulum
D) Used only in eukaryotes
E) Made only of RNA
9. What type of cell wall do most bacteria have?
A) Cellulose-based
B) Protein-based
C) Chitin-based
D) Peptidoglycan-based
E) Silica-based
10. The Gram staining technique distinguishes bacteria based on:
A) Shape of nucleus
B) DNA content
C) Structure of flagella
D) Cell wall composition
E) Reproductive method
11. Which of the following is true about Archaea?
A) They are all pathogenic
B) They lack a plasma membrane
C) They live only in cold environments
D) They have unique membrane lipids
E) They contain peptidoglycan in their cell walls
12. Binary fission in prokaryotes results in:
A) Two genetically identical daughter cells
B) Four haploid cells
C) Genetic recombination
D) Unequal division of cytoplasm
E) Formation of spores only
13. Which of the following helps prokaryotes move?
A) Pili
B) Cilia
C) Pseudopodia
D) Flagella
E) Lysosomes
14. What role do prokaryotes play in ecosystems?
A) Producers only
B) Only decomposers
C) Only parasites
D) Decomposers, nitrogen fixers, and symbionts
E) They play no role
15. Which is an example of a photosynthetic prokaryote?
A) Escherichia coli
B) Lactobacillus
C) Cyanobacteria
D) Streptococcus
E) Thermoplasma
16. Endospores in some prokaryotes allow them to:
A) Move faster
B) Perform photosynthesis
C) Survive extreme conditions
D) Absorb nutrients faster
E) Divide more rapidly
17. What do pili help prokaryotes do?
A) Store DNA
B) Move rapidly
C) Attach to surfaces and exchange genetic material
D) Perform photosynthesis
E) Carry out respiration
18. A major difference between Bacteria and Archaea is:
A) Bacteria lack ribosomes
B) Archaea have peptidoglycan in their cell walls
C) Bacteria are eukaryotic
D) Archaea have different membrane lipids
E) Bacteria have linear chromosomes
19. Which of the following diseases is caused by a prokaryote?
A) Influenza
B) HIV
C) Tuberculosis
D) Malaria
E) Measles
20. The term "prokaryote" literally means:
A) Before reproduction
B) Before the cell wall
C) Before the nucleus
D) Primitive metabolism
E) Without cytoplasm
- Questions on Soil and Water (Ecology)
- Questions on Air Pollution
- Questions on Global Warming (Ecology)
Answer Key with Explanations
1. C – Prokaryotes lack a membrane-bound nucleus; their DNA is free in the cytoplasm.
2. C – Both Archaea and Bacteria are prokaryotic domains.
3. D – The nucleoid region holds the circular DNA in prokaryotes.
4. C – All prokaryotes have a cell membrane; they lack organelles like mitochondria.
5. D – Prokaryotic DNA is circular and located in the cytoplasm, not within a nucleus.
6. B – Plasmids are small, extra-chromosomal, circular DNA molecules.
7. C – Eukarya includes only eukaryotic organisms.
8. B – Prokaryotic ribosomes are 70S and free in the cytoplasm.
9. D – Bacterial cell walls are primarily made of peptidoglycan.
10. D – Gram stain differentiates bacteria based on their cell wall composition.
11. D – Archaea have unique membrane lipids that differ from Bacteria and Eukarya.
12. A – Binary fission produces two genetically identical cells.
13. D – Flagella help prokaryotes move.
14. D – Prokaryotes perform many roles, including decomposition and nitrogen fixation.
15. C – Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic prokaryotes.
16. C – Endospores allow survival in harsh environments.
17. C – Pili help in attachment and genetic exchange (conjugation).
18. D – Archaea have unique membrane lipids; their biochemistry differs from bacteria.
19. C – Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium.
20. C – “Prokaryote” comes from Greek, meaning “before nucleus.”
Dive into the groundbreaking science of neurotransmitters—your brain’s invisible architects—in Chemical Harmony: How Neurotransmitters Shape Our Lives (2025). This meticulously researched book reveals how serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and other brain chemicals silently orchestrate every aspect of your existence, from decision-making and relationships to mental health and emotional resilience.Click here to buy
👉 +3000 Biology Questions with Answers Key.
Share Online!
