Question

Which of the following is not characteristic does NOT distinguish the archea from the bacteria

A) the deoxyribonucleotides
B) cell wall composition
C) the rRNA sequence present
D) the types of transfer RNA used
E) cell membrane composition

Answer 1

The types of transfer RNA used (option D) do not distinguish Archaea from Bacteria because both groups use similar types of tRNAs for protein synthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristic that does not distinguish Archaea from Bacteria is the type of transfer RNA (tRNA) used. The options given concern various aspects of cell structure and genetic machinery in prokaryotes. When comparing Archaea and Bacteria:

• Both Archaea and Bacteria contain deoxyribonucleotides in their DNA, so this does not distinguish them.
• The cell wall composition is a distinguishing feature; Bacteria have peptidoglycan in their cell walls, whereas Archaea do not.
• The rRNA sequence is different in Archaea and Bacteria, making it another distinguishing characteristic.
• The cell membrane composition is different; Archaea have phytanyl groups, while Bacteria have fatty acids in their plasma membranes.

Therefore, the correct answer is D) the types of transfer RNA used, as both Archaea and Bacteria use similar types of tRNAs for protein synthesis.