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.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Prokaryotes, such as bacteria, divide by binary fission, which is a type of asexual reproduction, without mitosis or meiosis. Option A is incorrect because conjugation, a type of bacterial sexual reproduction, only involves the transfer of genetic material, not an exchange. Option B is also incorrect as plasmids are not vesicles, but rather small circular pieces of DNA that can replicate independently of a bacterial cell's chromosomal DNA. Option D is incorrect as bacteria exhibit genetic diversity due to mutation, genetic recombination, and lateral gene transfer. Option E is also incorrect as genetic variation in bacteria is known to occur through various mechanisms.

Which of These Statements About Prokaryotes Is Correct