Which of These Statements About Prokaryotes is Correct

Question

Which of these statements about prokaryotes is correct?
A)Bacterial cells conjugate to mutually exchange genetic material.
B)Their genetic material is confined within vesicles known as plasmids.
C)They divide by binary fission, without mitosis or meiosis.
D)The persistence of bacteria throughout evolutionary time is due to their genetic homogeneity (in other words, sameness).
E)Genetic variation in bacteria is not known to occur, because of their asexual mode of reproduction.

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotes divide by binary fission, which is a type of asexual reproduction where one cell divides into two identical daughter cells. Unlike eukaryotic cells, they do not undergo mitosis or meiosis. Choice A is incorrect because bacterial conjugation involves the transfer of genetic material from one bacterial cell to another through a pilus, but it is not a mechanism of sexual reproduction. Choice B is partially correct, as plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules that can replicate independently from the bacterial chromosome, but not all genetic material is confined within plasmids. Choice D is incorrect because although bacteria may have similar genetic makeup, genetic variation can occur through mechanisms such as mutation and horizontal gene transfer. Choice E is also incorrect because genetic variation does occur in bacteria despite their asexual mode of reproduction.