Which statement correctly compares ribosomes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
Correct answer: C. Prokaryotes have 70S, eukaryotes have 80S
- A. Both have 80S ribosomes
- B. Prokaryotes have 80S, eukaryotes have 70S
- C. Prokaryotes have 70S, eukaryotes have 80S
- D. Both lack ribosomes
Explanation
Prokaryotes have smaller 70S ribosomes, made of 50S and 30S subunits, while eukaryotes have larger 80S ribosomes in their cytoplasm. Option b reverses the two, and since ribosomes are needed for protein synthesis no living cell lacks them.
This question appeared on the UHS MDCAT 2026 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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