Which of the following kingdoms does not have a nuclear membrane?

Appeared in: DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The kingdom Monera includes all prokaryotic organisms, such as bacteria.
A defining characteristic of prokaryotes is the absence of a membrane-bound nucleus.
In Monera, the genetic material is located in a region of the cytoplasm known as the nucleoid, which is not enclosed by a membrane.

Option A: The kingdom Plantae consists of multicellular eukaryotic organisms. As eukaryotes, their cells contain a true nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane.
Option C: The kingdom Fungi, which includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms, is composed of eukaryotic organisms. Their cells possess a distinct nuclear membrane.
Option D: The kingdom Protista is a diverse group of mostly unicellular eukaryotic organisms. Being eukaryotes, their cells have a membrane-bound nucleus.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Difference between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Kingdoms as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the difference between prokaryotic (bacterial) and eukaryotic (human) cells is fundamental to pharmacology and managing infectious diseases.
Many antibiotics, such as tetracyclines and macrolides, work by selectively targeting the 70S ribosomes found in prokaryotic bacteria to inhibit their protein synthesis. This specificity prevents them from harming the 80S ribosomes in human eukaryotic cells, a principle known as selective toxicity.
What if? If a patient has a fungal infection (caused by a eukaryote), antibiotics targeting bacterial ribosomes would be ineffective. The treatment would require antifungal agents that target unique components of the fungal cell, such as its ergosterol-containing cell membrane.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question: the absence of a 'nuclear membrane'.
Recall that the presence or absence of a nuclear membrane is the primary distinction between two major cell types: eukaryotes (have it) and prokaryotes (do not have it).
The question is effectively asking you to identify the prokaryotic kingdom among the choices.
Categorize each option based on its cell type: Plantae (eukaryote), Monera (prokaryote), Fungi (eukaryote), and Protista (eukaryote).
Select the option that falls into the prokaryotic category, which is Monera.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Difference between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Kingdoms
Stem keywords: kingdoms, nuclear membrane
Lead-in keywords: does not have
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the kingdom that LACKS a feature (negative framing).

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E6 Microbiology Applied AnjuDhir 3e Part 1 pp. 57-59, 58-60

E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 1 p. 33-35

Practise the full DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.