Which group lacks membrane-bound organelles and has a peptidoglycan cell wall?

Which group lacks membrane-bound organelles and has a peptidoglycan cell wall?

• A. Helminths
• B. Bacteria
• C. Fungi
• D. Protozoa

Answer: (B)

Membrane-bound organelles are a hallmark of eukaryotic cells, while prokaryotes lack them. Among living groups, the presence of a cell wall made of peptidoglycan is a feature unique to bacteria. So, when you see both traits together—the absence of membrane-bound organelles and a peptidoglycan cell wall—the organism is bacteria. Helminths are multicellular eukaryotes with organelles and different cell-wall materials; fungi are eukaryotes with cell walls of chitin; protozoa are also eukaryotic and may not have a peptidoglycan wall.

Membrane-bound organelles are a hallmark of eukaryotic cells, while prokaryotes lack them. Among living groups, the presence of a cell wall made of peptidoglycan is a feature unique to bacteria. So, when you see both traits together—the absence of membrane-bound organelles and a peptidoglycan cell wall—the organism is bacteria. Helminths are multicellular eukaryotes with organelles and different cell-wall materials; fungi are eukaryotes with cell walls of chitin; protozoa are also eukaryotic and may not have a peptidoglycan wall.