AAMC FL Practice Exam

Which types of cells do not possess a nucleus?

1. Plant and fungal cells

2. Animal and protist cells

3. Prokaryotic cells

4. Eukaryotic cells

The correct answer is: Prokaryotic cells

Cells that do not possess a nucleus are classified as prokaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells are defined by their lack of a membrane-bound nucleus, which distinguishes them from eukaryotic cells that do contain a nucleus. In prokaryotes, such as bacteria and archaea, the genetic material is located in a region called the nucleoid, but it is not enclosed within a membrane. This characteristic is fundamental to the definition and classification of prokaryotes. In contrast, eukaryotic cells, which include plant, animal, fungal, and protist cells, are defined by the presence of a defined nucleus where the cell's genetic material is stored. The other types of cells mentioned in the choices—plant cells, animal cells, fungal cells, and protist cells—are all eukaryotic and thus do have a nucleus. Therefore, identifying prokaryotic cells as the answer highlights a key distinction in cellular biology related to the structure and organization of the genetic material.