Question
A newly discovered unicellular organism isolated from acidic mine drainage is found to contain a cell wall, a plasma membrane, two flagella and peroxisomes. Based on this information only, the organism is most likely to be __ a motile eukaryote a nonmotile prokaryote a motile bacterium a nonmotile eukaryote
Answer
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Sheldon
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
The organism is most likely a motile eukaryote.
Explanation
## Step 1First, we need to understand the characteristics of eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells are defined by the presence of a defined nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane, the presence of a true membrane-bound nucleus, and the presence of membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria, lysosomes, and peroxisomes.## Step 2In the given problem, the organism is described to have a cell wall, a plasma membrane, two flagella, and peroxisomes. These characteristics align with those of a eukaryotic cell.## Step 3The presence of flagella suggests that the organism is capable of motion, indicating it is a motile eukaryote. ## Step 4However, eukaryotic cells are not the only organisms that can flagellate or move. Some bacteria, represented by the third option, are also capable of this. ## Step 5Yet, the presence of peroxisomes is a reliable indicator of a eukaryotic cell nature, which rules out the other options.