Which of the following statements best compares cell division in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
Correct answer: C. Eukaryotes divide by mitosis; prokaryotes by binary fission
- A. Eukaryotes divide by budding; prokaryotes by mitosis
- B. Eukaryotes use binary fission; prokaryotes by meiosis
- C. Eukaryotes divide by mitosis; prokaryotes by binary fission
- D. Both use mitosis by cell division
Explanation
Mitosis needs a spindle and organised chromosomes, which only eukaryotes possess, while a prokaryote simply replicates its single circular chromosome and splits by binary fission. This is much faster, which is why bacteria can divide every twenty minutes. Meiosis is confined to eukaryotes producing gametes.
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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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