Question

Which of the following structures is found in bacterial cells? A. Ribosome B. Mitochondrion C. Golgi apparatus D. Nuclear membrane

Short answer

A. Ribosome

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The question is asking which structure is found in bacterial cells. Identify which of these options are components of bacterial cells.

List the Options

Consider each option: A. Ribosome B. Mitochondrion C. Golgi apparatus D. Nuclear membrane

Identify Bacterial Structures

Recall that bacterial cells do not have membrane-bound organelles. Bacterial cells contain ribosomes for protein synthesis but lack mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, and a nuclear membrane.

Eliminate Incorrect Options

Eliminate B (Mitochondrion), C (Golgi apparatus), and D (Nuclear membrane) since bacterial cells do not contain these structures.

Confirm the Correct Answer

The only structure that is found in bacterial cells from the options provided is A (Ribosome).

Key concepts

ribosome

Ribosomes are tiny structures found within all living cells, including bacterial cells. They are essential for protein synthesis. Think of ribosomes as the cell's protein factories. They read the genetic instructions from the RNA and translate them into proteins, which are crucial for various cellular functions.
In bacterial cells, ribosomes are freely floating within the cytoplasm. Unlike in eukaryotic cells, bacterial ribosomes are not attached to any membrane-bound organelles.
This ability to synthesize proteins is vital for the survival and growth of bacteria. Without ribosomes, bacteria would not be able to produce the proteins they need to function.

membrane-bound organelles

Membrane-bound organelles are cell structures surrounded by lipid membranes, creating separate compartments within the cell. These compartments allow different biochemical processes to occur in isolation.
Some examples of membrane-bound organelles include the mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, and the nuclear membrane.

Bacteria, which are prokaryotic cells, do not have membrane-bound organelles. This is a key difference from eukaryotic cells, which include plant, animal, and fungal cells.
The absence of these organelles in bacterial cells means that all the cellular processes occur in a single, shared space within the cell. This simplicity is one of the defining characteristics of prokaryotic cells.

prokaryotic cell

Prokaryotic cells are simple, unicellular organisms that lack a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Bacteria are the most well-known examples of prokaryotic cells.
Let's break down the key characteristics of prokaryotic cells:

• They have a nucleoid region where the genetic material (DNA) is located. This region is not enclosed by a nuclear membrane.
• Their genetic material is often a single circular chromosome.
• They do not have membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria or the Golgi apparatus.
• They have ribosomes that are smaller than those found in eukaryotic cells.
• They often have a cell wall that provides structural support and protection.

The simplicity of prokaryotic cells allows them to reproduce quickly and thrive in a variety of environments. This makes bacteria incredibly adaptable and capable of surviving in extreme conditions where many eukaryotic cells cannot.