Bacteria and archaea are similar in which of the following characteristics?

• A. Presence of peptidoglycan in the cell wall
• B. Membrane lipids composed of fatty acids linked by ester bonds
• C. Sensitivity to antibiotics such as penicillin
• D. Lack of a membrane-bound nucleus

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the question is asking about similarities between bacteria and archaea, specifically regarding cellular characteristics.
2. Step 2: Review the key structural and biochemical features of bacteria and archaea, focusing on cell wall composition, membrane lipid structure, and sensitivity to antibiotics.
3. Step 3: Recall that bacteria have peptidoglycan in their cell walls, whereas archaea do not; archaea have unique cell wall components instead.
4. Step 4: Note that bacterial membrane lipids are fatty acids linked by ester bonds, while archaeal membrane lipids have ether bonds, which is a fundamental difference.
5. Step 5: Recognize that both bacteria and archaea lack a membrane-bound nucleus, which is a defining similarity distinguishing them from eukaryotes.