10 Questions
What is the primary function of prokaryotic cell walls?
To provide shape and protect against osmotic pressure
Which type of bacteria has a thicker peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall?
Gram-positive bacteria
What is the main component of plant cell walls?
Cellulose
What is the function of the glycocalyx in prokaryotes?
To protect against host defenses
What is the glycocalyx equivalent in animal cells?
Extracellular matrix
In which type of cells is the glycocalyx equivalent known as the extracellular matrix?
Animal cells
What is the primary difference between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in terms of cell wall structure?
Thickness of peptidoglycan layer
In which of the following organisms is the cell wall composed of chitin?
Fungi
What is the main function of the glycocalyx in prokaryotes?
Aiding in adherence and protection from host defenses
Which of the following is a characteristic shared by both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell walls?
Providing shape and protection against osmotic pressure
Study Notes
Cell Walls
- Prokaryotic cell walls are composed of peptidoglycan, providing shape and protection against osmotic pressure.
- Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria have distinct cell wall structures.
- Eukaryotic cell walls are found in plants, algae, and fungi, but not in animal cells.
- They are made of various substances, including cellulose in plants and chitin in fungi.
Glycocalyx
- In prokaryotes, glycocalyx is often involved in adherence and protection from host defenses.
- It can be a capsule or a slime layer.
- In eukaryotes, glycocalyx is generally less structured than in prokaryotes.
- In animal cells, it's known as the extracellular matrix.
- The extracellular matrix is involved in protection, immunity to infection, and recognition of other cells.
Compare and contrast the composition and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell walls, as well as the glycocalyx in prokaryotes. Learn about the differences between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and the unique features of plant, algae, and fungal cell walls.
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