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Questions and Answers
If a newly discovered cell is found to have ribosomes and cytoplasm, but lacks a nucleus, how would you classify it?
If a newly discovered cell is found to have ribosomes and cytoplasm, but lacks a nucleus, how would you classify it?
Prokaryotic
Explain why the absence of membrane-bound organelles allows prokaryotic cells to reproduce more quickly than eukaryotic cells.
Explain why the absence of membrane-bound organelles allows prokaryotic cells to reproduce more quickly than eukaryotic cells.
The lack of membrane-bound organelles simplifies the cellular structure, reducing the time and energy needed for replication and division. Eukaryotic cells need to replicate duplicated organelles, which increases the time required for cell division.
How does the organization of DNA differ between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and why is this significant?
How does the organization of DNA differ between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and why is this significant?
Prokaryotic DNA is typically a single, circular chromosome located in the nucleoid region, whereas eukaryotic DNA is organized into multiple linear chromosomes within the nucleus. This difference in structure impacts how genes are accessed, regulated, and passed on during cell division.
Why is the presence of a cell wall significant in prokaryotic cells, and how does its specific composition vary?
Why is the presence of a cell wall significant in prokaryotic cells, and how does its specific composition vary?
What evolutionary advantage might the presence of flagella provide to prokaryotic cells?
What evolutionary advantage might the presence of flagella provide to prokaryotic cells?
How does being either single-celled or multicellular affect the complexity and functionality of prokaryotic versus eukaryotic organisms?
How does being either single-celled or multicellular affect the complexity and functionality of prokaryotic versus eukaryotic organisms?
Describe the significance of the plasma membrane in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Describe the significance of the plasma membrane in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Explain why understanding the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is foundational to fields like medicine and biotechnology.
Explain why understanding the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is foundational to fields like medicine and biotechnology.
The term 'prokaryote' translates to 'before nucleus', and 'eukaryote' means 'true nucleus.' How do these names reflect the evolutionary history of these cell types?
The term 'prokaryote' translates to 'before nucleus', and 'eukaryote' means 'true nucleus.' How do these names reflect the evolutionary history of these cell types?
If you discovered a new organism in an extreme environment, such as a deep-sea vent, would you expect it to be prokaryotic or eukaryotic? Explain your reasoning.
If you discovered a new organism in an extreme environment, such as a deep-sea vent, would you expect it to be prokaryotic or eukaryotic? Explain your reasoning.
Flashcards
Prokaryotic Cell
Prokaryotic Cell
The simplest, most ancient cell type, lacking a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles.
Eukaryotic Cell
Eukaryotic Cell
A cell containing a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Nucleoid
Nucleoid
A region in prokaryotic cells where DNA is located, but not enclosed by a membrane.
Prokaryote/Eukaryote Commonalities
Prokaryote/Eukaryote Commonalities
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Key Differences: Prokaryotes
Key Differences: Prokaryotes
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Key Differences: Eukaryotes
Key Differences: Eukaryotes
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Chromosome Structure
Chromosome Structure
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Cellularity
Cellularity
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Prokaryotic Cell Wall
Prokaryotic Cell Wall
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Study Notes
- On Earth, two major cell types exist: prokaryotic and eukaryotic.
Prokaryotic Cells
- Prokaryotic cells represent the simplest and most ancient cell type.
- They were the sole form of life on Earth for billions of years.
- Prokaryotes gave rise to eukaryotic cells.
- Prokaryotic cells are smaller than eukaryotic cells.
- They possess a simpler structure compared to eukaryotes.
- The simple structure is advantageous for quick and effective reproduction.
- Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus.
- The term "prokaryote" means "before nucleus."
- The inside of a prokaryotic cell is an open unit without compartments.
- They lack membrane-bound organelles.
- Ribosomes are scattered throughout the cytoplasm.
- DNA is located in the nucleoid region of the cytoplasm.
- The nucleoid region isn't enclosed by a membrane like a nucleus.
- Prokaryotes have a cell wall surrounding the plasma membrane.
- Cell wall composition varies between archaea and bacteria.
- Cell walls consist of complex polysaccharides.
- Prokaryotes often have flagella for movement.
Eukaryotic Cells
- Eukaryotic cells contain a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
- The term "eukaryote" means "true nucleus."
- Eukaryotic cells are larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells.
Commonalities Between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
- DNA serves as their genetic material.
- Both cell types contain ribosomes.
- Cytoplasm is present in both cell types.
- Both types of cell possess a plasma membrane.
Differences Between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
- Prokaryotic cells are older, smaller, and simpler.
- Eukaryotic cells evolved later and are larger and more complex internally.
- Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotes have both.
- Prokaryotes are single-celled organisms.
- Eukaryotes can be single-celled or multicellular.
- Prokaryotic DNA is usually a single, circular chromosome.
- Eukaryotic DNA is organized as linear chromosomes.
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