Explain why a bacterial cell cannot be described as a eukaryotic cell. Give three reasons in your answer.

AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.1.1 Cell structure · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

A bacterial cell is a prokaryote and therefore cannot be described as a eukaryotic cell because:
1. It has no membrane‑bound nucleus – the DNA is free in the cytoplasm.
2. Its genetic material is in plasmids, not a single chromosome within a nucleus.
3. It lacks membrane‑bound organelles such as mitochondria or chloroplasts.

Examiner tips

  • Use the word ‘prokaryote’ to show you know the definition. Mention the absence of a nucleus first – it is the most obvious difference. Show the three points clearly, each with a short sentence.
  • common_mistakes
  • :
  • Confusing plasmids with chromosomes. Forgetting to state the lack of a nucleus. Using vague terms like ‘different’ instead of specific organelle names.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. A bacterial cell does not contain a nucleus / has no membrane-bound nucleus
  2. A bacterial cell contains plasmids (loops of DNA in the cytoplasm) instead of chromosomes in a nucleus
  3. A bacterial cell has no membrane-bound organelles / lacks organelles such as mitochondria or chloroplasts
  4. Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus (which bacterial / prokaryotic cells do not), so bacterial cells are prokaryotic

Key terms in this question

eukaryotic cell

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