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 have common characteristics is provided by option:

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

This statement highlights a key similarity between bacteria and archaea: both groups are prokaryotic, meaning they do not have a membrane-bound nucleus, which is a fundamental characteristic that classifies them together. Options A, C, and D contain inaccuracies or do not correctly describe both groups.