A student wants to develop a model that places bacteria and archaea within the same classification. Which statement provides the BEST evidence that these organisms have common characteristics?

Question

A.
Both are unicellular organisms that contain a cell nucleus.

B.
Both are unicellular organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus.

C.
Both are multicellular organisms that lack membrane-bound organelles.

D.
Both are multicellular organisms that reproduce asexually.

Answer 1

The best evidence that bacteria and archaea share common characteristics is provided by the statement:

B. Both are unicellular organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus.

This statement accurately reflects a fundamental characteristic of both bacteria and archaea, as they are both prokaryotic organisms that do not have a membrane-bound nucleus, distinguishing them from eukaryotic organisms.