Prokaryotic Cells MCQs Quiz | Class 9
Class IX Science (Code 086), Unit II: Organization in the Living World. This quiz focuses on Prokaryotic Cells, covering their key features, lack of a true nucleus, and examples like bacteria. Test your knowledge with these 10 MCQs, check your score, and download the solution PDF.
Overview of Prokaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic cells are single-celled organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. They represent the earliest and most primitive form of life on Earth. The term “prokaryote” is derived from the Greek words “pro” (before) and “karyon” (nut or kernel, referring to the nucleus).
Key Features
- Lack of Nuclear Membrane: The genetic material is not enclosed within a nuclear membrane. Instead, it lies freely in the cytoplasm in a region called the nucleoid.
- Single Chromosome: They typically possess a single circular chromosome composed of DNA.
- Absence of Organelles: Membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, plastids, Golgi apparatus, and endoplasmic reticulum are absent.
- Cell Wall: Most prokaryotes have a rigid cell wall made of peptidoglycan (in bacteria).
- Ribosomes: They contain smaller 70S ribosomes compared to the 80S ribosomes found in eukaryotes.
Examples of Prokaryotes
Common examples of prokaryotic cells include:
- Bacteria: The most abundant microorganisms (e.g., E. coli, Lactobacillus).
- Blue-green Algae (Cyanobacteria): Photosynthetic prokaryotes that can produce their own food.
- Mycoplasma: The smallest known living cells, which lack a cell wall.
Comparison: Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells
| Feature | Prokaryotic Cell | Eukaryotic Cell |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Generally small (1-10 micrometers) | Generally large (5-100 micrometers) |
| Nucleus | Absent (Nucleoid region present) | Present (Enclosed by nuclear membrane) |
| Organelles | Membrane-bound organelles absent | Membrane-bound organelles present |
| Cell Division | Binary fission or budding | Mitosis or Meiosis |
Quick Revision Notes
- The undefined nuclear region containing only nucleic acids is called the nucleoid.
- Small circular DNA molecules found outside the genomic DNA in many bacteria are called plasmids.
- Prokaryotes reproduce rapidly, primarily through binary fission.
Extra Practice Questions
1. What is the primary function of the cell wall in bacteria?
2. Name the substance that makes up the bacterial cell wall.
3. Do prokaryotic cells have a cytoskeleton?
4. What is the role of pili in bacteria?
5. How do chemoautotrophic bacteria obtain energy?
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