Which characteristic is used to classify an organism into the domain Eukarya?

• A. Ability to survive in extreme environments
• B. Lack of a nucleus
• C. Presence of membrane-bound organelles
• D. Cell wall composed of peptidoglycan

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the three domains of life: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. Each domain is classified based on specific cellular characteristics.
2. Recognize that organisms in the domain Eukarya are defined by the presence of membrane-bound organelles, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum.
3. Compare the characteristics listed in the problem: 'Ability to survive in extreme environments' is a trait of Archaea, not Eukarya. 'Lack of a nucleus' is a trait of prokaryotes (Bacteria and Archaea), not Eukarya.
4. Note that 'Cell wall composed of peptidoglycan' is a characteristic of Bacteria, not Eukarya. Eukaryotic cells may have cell walls, but they are composed of different materials, such as cellulose in plants or chitin in fungi.
5. Conclude that the defining characteristic of organisms in the domain Eukarya is the 'Presence of membrane-bound organelles,' which distinguishes them from prokaryotic organisms in the domains Bacteria and Archaea.