Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of bacteria?

Bacteria are primarily unicellular organisms, meaning they are composed of a single cell. They lack a nucleus, which classifies them as prokaryotes; their genetic material is not enclosed within a membrane-bound compartment. Many bacteria are capable of causing diseases in humans, animals, and plants, making them relevant in fields such as medicine and public health.

The characteristic mentioned in the correct answer indicates that bacteria can exist in multicellular forms, which is not accurate for true bacteria. While some bacterial species can form associations or clusters (such as biofilms), they do not form multicellular organisms like fungi or plants do. Each bacterium remains an independent unicellular unit, even when in close association with other bacteria. This characteristic of being strictly unicellular distinguishes bacteria from other life forms that may have multicellular structures.