What is true about genetic material of a prokaryotic cell ?

Options

A. Lacks histones
B. Not enceloped by nuclear membrane
C. Composed of a single circular DNA molecule
D. All of these

Explanation

To answer the question "What is true about the genetic material of a prokaryotic cell?", we can break down the characteristics of prokaryotic cells and their genetic material step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Prokaryotic Cells**:
- Prokaryotic cells are often referred to as primitive cells because they lack a defined nucleus. Instead, they have a region called the nucleoid where their genetic material is located.

**Hint**: Remember that prokaryotic cells are simpler in structure compared to eukaryotic cells.

2. **Nucleus Structure**:
- In prokaryotic cells, the genetic material is not enclosed by a nuclear membrane. This means that the DNA is free-floating within the cytoplasm, which is a key characteristic of prokaryotes.

**Hint**: Think about how the absence of a membrane affects the organization of genetic material.

3. **Type of Genetic Material**:
- Prokaryotic cells contain a single circular DNA molecule. This is different from eukaryotic cells, which typically have multiple linear chromosomes.

**Hint**: Visualize the shape of the DNA in prokaryotes compared to eukaryotes.

4. **Histone Proteins**:
- Prokaryotic cells do not contain histone proteins. Histones are proteins that help package DNA into a compact structure in eukaryotic cells. The absence of histones in prokaryotes means that their DNA is not packaged in the same way.

**Hint**: Consider the role of histones in DNA organization and why their absence is significant in prokaryotes.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the points discussed, we conclude that:
- Prokaryotic cells have a nucleoid (false nucleus) without a membrane.
- They possess a single circular DNA molecule.
- They lack histone proteins.
- Therefore, all the statements regarding the genetic material of prokaryotic cells are true.

**Final Answer**: All of these statements are true about the genetic material of a prokaryotic cell.