Question

Cell biologist, Dr. Martine Dinen, is observing an organism's cell using a transmitting electron microscope. She notices that within the cellular membrane, strands of DNA are seen throughout the cytoplasm. Is this cell from a Prokaryotic or Eukaryotic organism? Is it from an Autotrophic or Heterotrophic organism? Justify your answer.

Answer 1

The cell is most likely prokaryotic because:

Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles such as the nucleus due to which the DNA are seen throughout the cytoplasm.

Eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles such as the nucleus. So for eukaryotes, the DNA will be present packed inside the nucleus instead of being dispersed in the cytoplasm.

Prokaryotes can either be autotrophic or heterotrophic depending on their mode of nutrition. Autotrophic prokaryotes can make organic molecules for a carbon dioxide source. On the other hand, heterotrophic prokaryotes can take carbon from organic compounds. Hence, the organism can be autotrophic or heterotrophic.