Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

Which type of cell is characterized by the absence of a true nucleus?

1. Eukaryotic Cell

2. Prokaryotic Cell

3. Multicellular Organism

4. Unicellular Organism

The correct answer is: Prokaryotic Cell

The correct answer is prokaryotic cell. Prokaryotic cells are distinguished by their simple cellular structure, which lacks a true nucleus. Instead of being enclosed in a membrane-bound nucleus, the genetic material in prokaryotic cells is found in a region of the cell called the nucleoid. This fundamental characteristic sets prokaryotic cells apart from eukaryotic cells, which possess a membrane-bound nucleus. In addition to the absence of a true nucleus, prokaryotic cells typically have a cell wall and may have flagella for movement, but they do not contain the complex organelles such as mitochondria or endoplasmic reticulum that are found in eukaryotic cells. Understanding the distinction between these cell types is crucial for studying cellular biology and microbiology, as it reflects the evolutionary differences in organisms.