15 Questions
What is the primary function of organelles in eukaryotic cells?
To organize and compartmentalize cellular functions
What is the main difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
The presence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
What is the common genetic material found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
DNA
What is the function of the cell membrane in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
To regulate what enters and leaves the cell
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of eukaryotic cells?
Simple cell structure
What is the primary function of ribosomes?
To synthesize proteins from mRNA
What is the main component of the cell wall in plant cells?
Cellulose
How do prokaryotes usually arrange themselves?
In single-celled organisms
What is the main difference between the DNA structure of prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
The simplicity of the DNA structure
What is the function of the nuclear membrane in eukaryotic cells?
To regulate transport into and out of the nucleus
What is the main difference in the structure of ribosomes between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
Size and composition of subunits
What is a key difference in the process of cell division between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
Complexity of the process
What is a characteristic shared by both prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
Presence of a cytoskeleton
What is a key difference in gene arrangement between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
Arrangement into operons
What is a characteristic unique to eukaryotes?
Formation of gametes
Study Notes
Cells: The Basic Units of Life
- All living things are composed of cells, including animals, plants, and bacteria.
- There are two main types of cells: prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes
- Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, have a simpler structure, and include bacteria and archaea.
- Eukaryotes have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, are larger, and have a more complex cell structure, including plants, animals, and fungi.
Similarities between Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells
- Both have a cell membrane (plasma membrane) made of a phospholipid bilayer with proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates.
- Both have genetic material (DNA), which is a double helix made of two complementary strands of nucleotides.
- Both have ribosomes, which are made of ribonucleotides and protein, and serve the purpose of reading mRNA to make protein.
- Both have cytoplasm, a thick fluid composed of water, salts, sugars, proteins, and monomers for metabolism.
Differences between Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells
Cell Size and Structure
- Prokaryotes are much smaller (0.1-5 micrometers in diameter) and have a simpler cell structure.
- Eukaryotes are larger (10-100 micrometers on average) and have a more complex cell structure.
Cell Arrangement
- Prokaryotes are almost always single-celled organisms, including bacteria and archaea, and may form multicellular clusters called biofilms.
- Eukaryotes can form single-celled or multicellular organisms, including plants, animals, and fungi.
Nucleus and Organelles
- Eukaryotes have a true membrane-bound nucleus that regulates transport and keeps DNA safe.
- Prokaryotes have a nucleoid region without a membrane to protect the DNA.
- Eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles (e.g., endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, mitochondria) that are separated from the cell interior.
DNA Structure
- Prokaryotes have a single circular chromosome with genes grouped into operons for easy transcription.
- Eukaryotes have linear chromosomes with many more genes, no operons, and post-transcriptional processing.
Ribosome Size
- Prokaryotes have smaller 70S ribosomes (50S and 30S subunits).
- Eukaryotes have larger 80S ribosomes (60S and 40S subunits).
Cytoskeleton
- Both have a cytoskeleton, but prokaryotes have different proteins (e.g., FtsZ, actin-related proteins MreB/Mbl).
- Eukaryotes have three components (actin, intermediate filaments, and microtubules).
Reproduction
- Prokaryotes reproduce asexually by binary fission.
- Eukaryotes reproduce sexually, forming gametes that fuse to create a new organism.
Cell Division
- Prokaryotes reproduce by binary fission.
- Eukaryotic cell division is more complex, involving mitosis to ensure proper chromosome distribution.
Learn about the main differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes cells, including their structure and function. Discover the characteristics that set them apart.
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