OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

Which structure is considered a prokaryote?

1. Plant cell

2. Animal cell

3. Bacterial cell

4. Nerve cell

The correct answer is: Bacterial cell

A bacterial cell is considered a prokaryote because it lacks a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles that are characteristic of eukaryotic cells, such as plant and animal cells. In prokaryotic cells, the genetic material is not enclosed within a nucleus; instead, it is typically found in a single circular strand of DNA located in the cytoplasm. This simple cellular organization allows bacteria to reproduce rapidly and adapt quickly to their environment. In contrast, plant cells, animal cells, and nerve cells are all examples of eukaryotic cells, which have a more complex structure with various organelles and a defined nucleus.