Characteristics of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

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Questions and Answers

What are the characteristics of prokaryotic cells?

They have no nuclear membrane, 2) their DNA is not wound around histones, 3) the cell walls are made of a chemical called peptidoglycan, 4) they do not have complex membrane-bound organelles.

What are some characteristics of eukaryotic cells?

They have a nuclear membrane around their DNA, 2) their DNA is wound around histones, 3) they have complex membrane-bound organelles.

What are the six shapes of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Coccus, 2) Bacillus, 3) Vibrio, 4) Spirillum, 5) Spirochete, 6) Pleomorphism.

What are the five arrangements of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

<ol> <li>Diplo, 2) Strepto, 3) Staphylo, 4) Tetra, 5) Sarcinae.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

The majority of gram-positive organisms have which cell wall structure?

Peptidoglycan (Murien) Signup and view all the answers

The majority of gram-negative organisms have which cell wall structure?

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Signup and view all the answers

What do chromatophores do?

Make pigment colors. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 5 types of flagella?

<ol> <li>Monotrichous, 2) Amphitrichous, 3) Lophotrichous, 4) Peritrichous, 5) Atrichous.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What does monotrichous mean?

It is a polar cell with a single flagellum on the end of the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What does amphitrichous mean?

Having a single flagellum on both ends of the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What does lophotrichous mean?

Has small bunches or tufts of flagella emerging from the same site. Signup and view all the answers

What does peritrichous mean?

Having flagella dispersed randomly over the surface of the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What does atrichous mean?

Without flagella. Signup and view all the answers

What is a glycocalyx?

A filamentous network of carbohydrate-rich molecules that coats cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is a slime layer?

A diffuse unorganized layer of polysaccharides and/or proteins on the outside of some bacteria. Signup and view all the answers

What is a capsule?

A hardened slime layer. Signup and view all the answers

The nucleus contains what?

DNA. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Prokaryotic Cells Characteristics

Lack a nuclear membrane
DNA is not associated with histones
Cell walls predominantly composed of peptidoglycan
Absence of complex membrane-bound organelles

Eukaryotic Cells Characteristics

Surrounded by a nuclear membrane encapsulating DNA
DNA is associated with histones
Contain complex membrane-bound organelles, enhancing cellular function

Shapes of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Coccus: spherical shape
Bacillus: rod-like shape
Vibrio: comma-shaped
Spirillum: spiral shape
Spirochete: flexible spiral shape
Pleomorphism: variability in shape

Arrangements of Cells

Diplo: pairs of cells
Strepto: chains of cells
Staphylo: clusters of cells
Tetra: groups of four cells
Sarcinae: cubic arrangements of eight cells

Gram-Positive Cell Wall Structure

Characterized by a thick layer of peptidoglycan (Murien)
Contains trichroic acid and a cell membrane

Gram-Negative Cell Wall Structure

Comprises a thin layer of peptidoglycan
Features an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which act as endotoxins

Function of Chromatophores

Responsible for synthesizing pigment colors in certain cells

Types of Flagella

Monotrichous: single flagellum at one pole
Amphitrichous: single flagellum at both poles
Lophotrichous: multiple flagella clustered at one end
Peritrichous: flagella distributed over the entire surface
Atrichous: devoid of flagella

Glycocalyx Definition

A network of carbohydrate-rich molecules coating cell surfaces, aiding in protection and adhesion

Slime Layer Definition

An unorganized, diffuse layer of polysaccharides and/or proteins outside some bacterial cells

Capsule Definition

A well-organized, hardened slime layer; important for pathogenic bacteria, such as those causing pneumonia

Nucleus Composition

Contains DNA, the genetic material essential for cellular function and inheritance

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Description

Explore the fundamental differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. This quiz focuses on their characteristics, including cell structure, DNA organization, and the presence of organelles. Perfect for students studying biology and cell theory.