# 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

## 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

- [eukaryotic cell](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/eukaryotic-cell)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-a-bacterial-cell-cannot-f359222b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.