Question

Cyanobacteria are classified under

• A. Plantae
• B. Algae
• C. Monera
• D. Protista

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Monera

The correct option is C.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Cyanobacteria refer to a group of gram-negative bacteria that are aquatic and photosynthetic.
2. They are prokaryotic in nature.
3. They do not possess cell organelles and a distinct nucleus.
4. As all the prokaryotes fall under kingdom monera so cyanobacteria are classified under the kingdom monera.
5. Various types of prokaryotic bacteria can live in very harsh environments for example halophiles.

Explanation of the incorrect option:

Option A:

1. Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic.
2. They lack a membrane-bound cellular nucleus and all the genetic information packed into it whereas the genetic information of the plants is stored in the cell nucleus.
3. Also, they are the most primitive prokaryotes.
4. They are not from the plant kingdom.

Option B:

1. Algae are small plant-like eukaryotic organisms.
2. But cyanobacteria are prokaryotic and also multi-cellular.
3. They lack proper membranous cell organelles.
4. Hence they are not algae.

Option D:

1. Protists are generally eukaryotic in nature.
2. Cyanobacteria are the most primitive prokaryotes.
3. They even lack several membrane-bound cell organelles such as a nucleus, mitochondria, golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, etc.
4. Hence, they are classified under monera, not in Protista.

Final answer: Cyanobacteria are classified under monera.