AQA GCSE Biology

Prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells

AQA GCSE Biology revision on Prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells. Aligned to the AQA GCSE Biology 8461 specification. This bank has 25 practice questions on this topic.

Sample questions (3 of 25)

  1. Question 1

    Which cellular structure is found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

    • A) The cell membrane
    • B) Linear chromosome
    • C) Mitochondrion organelle
    • D) A nuclear envelope
    Show answer

    Answer: The cell membrane

    All living cells require a cell membrane to act as a selective barrier between the cytoplasm and the external environment. While eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria and a nucleus, prokaryotes lack these internal structures entirely.

  2. Question 2

    What is the primary genetic difference between a bacterial cell and an animal cell?

    • A) DNA is in a nucleus
    • B) DNA is a loose loop
    • C) DNA lacks base pairs
    • D) DNA is in plasmids
    Show answer

    Answer: DNA is a loose loop

    In eukaryotic cells, DNA is stored as linear chromosomes inside a nucleus. In prokaryotic cells, the genetic material is found as a single circular loop of DNA free in the cytoplasm, as they lack a true nucleus.

  3. Question 3

    Which specific structure do prokaryotic cells use to store extra genetic information?

    Show answer

    Answer: plasmid

    Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules found in many bacteria. They are distinct from the chromosomal DNA and often carry advantageous genes, such as those for antibiotic resistance.

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