The cell wall of a prokaryotic cell is composed of:
Correct answer: A. Carbohydrates
- A. Carbohydrates
- B. Carbohydrates and Proteins
- C. Proteins
- D. Proteins & Lipids
Explanation
The correct answer is Carbohydrates, as prokaryotic cell walls are predominantly composed of peptidoglycan, which is a polymer made from carbohydrates (sugars) linked to amino acids. While they may contain other molecules, the fundamental structure relies on carbohydrates.Options B, C, and D incorrectly emphasize proteins or lipids as primary components of the prokaryotic cell wall, which is not accurate. Prokaryotic cells differ significantly from eukaryotic cells, which may have cell walls made of cellulose (in plants) or chitin (in fungi), but the prokaryotic cell wall's unique composition is critical to its function and structural integrity.In Official UHS 2023 paper, option A was marked as correct. Therefore, we will retain option A here to maintain alignment with the original key for authenticity.
This question appeared on the UHS MDCAT 2023 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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About Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus and complex membrane-bound organelles, whereas eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus, specialized organelles and a cytoskeleton. Comparisons include DNA organization, ribosomes, cell walls, size, division and examples such as bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, plants and animals.
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