Question

Helicobacter cells are classified as prokaryotes because they
Responses

Lack a nucleus with nucleic acids inside
Lack a nucleus with nucleic acids inside

Move using flagella
Move using flagella

Have ribosomes that function to make proteins
Have ribosomes that function to make proteins

Lack a cell membrane composed of phospholipids
Lack a cell membrane composed of phospholipids

Answer 1

Helicobacter cells are classified as prokaryotes primarily because they **lack a nucleus with nucleic acids inside**. Prokaryotes, such as bacteria including Helicobacter, do not have a membrane-bound nucleus, and their genetic material is typically found in a nucleoid region rather than within a true nucleus as seen in eukaryotic cells.

The other options provided are characteristics but not defining criteria for prokaryotes:

- **Move using flagella**: While many prokaryotes, including Helicobacter, move using flagella, this is not a defining characteristic of prokaryotes.

- **Have ribosomes that function to make proteins**: Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have ribosomes for protein synthesis, so this is not a distinguishing feature.

- **Lack a cell membrane composed of phospholipids**: Prokaryotes do possess cell membranes, and these membranes are typically composed of phospholipids.

Thus, the correct response is related to the lack of a membrane-bound nucleus.