Question

Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have all of the following except A. a plasma membrane. B. a genome of DNA. C. subcellular organelles defined by membranes. D. the ability to replicate. E. the ability to transform external sources of energy into utilizable energy.

Short answer

A) Plasma Membrane B) Genome of DNA C) Subcellular Organelles Defined by Membranes D) Ability to Replicate E) Transform External Sources of Energy into Utilizable Energy Answer: C) Subcellular Organelles Defined by Membranes

Step-by-step solution

Option A: Plasma Membrane

Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have a plasma membrane, which acts as a barrier between the cell contents and the external environment. This membrane is essential for cell integrity and selective transport of molecules across the membrane.

Option B: Genome of DNA

Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have a genome of DNA, which contains genetic information required for their functioning, reproduction, and inheritance. In prokaryotic cells, the DNA molecule is circular and found in the cytoplasm, while in eukaryotic cells, the DNA is linear and enclosed within the nucleus.

Option C: Subcellular Organelles Defined by Membranes

Prokaryotic cells do not have membrane-bound organelles, whereas eukaryotic cells have a variety of membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. This is a key difference between these two types of cells.

Option D: Ability to Replicate

Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have the ability to replicate, which is essential for the continuation of life and the passing of genetic material from generation to generation. Prokaryotic cells typically replicate through binary fission, while eukaryotic cells replicate through mitosis (for somatic cells) and meiosis (for sex cells).

Option E: Transform External Sources of Energy into Utilizable Energy

Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells can transform external sources of energy into utilizable energy. For example, both cell types can synthesize ATP from ADP and P_i through cellular respiration, albeit through slightly different mechanisms. From the above analysis, Option C (subcellular organelles defined by membranes) is the correct answer as it is not present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.