Prokaryotic Cells Overview

work of plasmodesmata?

What is the main purpose of a work of fiction?

What is the primary function of mesosomes in prokaryotic cells?

What is a polyribosome?

What is one characteristic of prokaryotic cells compared to eukaryotic cells?

Which of the following is NOT one of the four basic shapes of bacteria?

What type of organism is represented by mycoplasma?

How do prokaryotic cells generally differ from eukaryotic cells in terms of reproduction?

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic cells is true?

What is the primary role of plasmids in bacteria?

Which statement accurately describes the genetic material in prokaryotes?

What unique feature do prokaryotic cells possess that is not found in eukaryotic cells?

What distinguishes mycoplasma from other prokaryotes?

Which of the following is true about the ribosomes found in prokaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic Cells Overview

Prokaryotic cells include bacteria, blue-green algae, mycoplasma, and PPLO (Pleuro Pneumonia Like Organisms).
Generally, they are smaller than eukaryotic cells and have a higher multiplication rate.

Shapes of Prokaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic cells display significant variation in shape and size.
Key bacterial shapes include:
- Bacillus: rod-shaped
- Coccus: spherical
- Vibrio: comma-shaped
- Spirillum: spiral-shaped

Cellular Organization

Prokaryotic cells share a fundamentally similar organization despite their diverse forms.

Prokaryotic Cell Structure

Cell wall surrounds the cell membrane, absent in mycoplasma.
Cytoplasm is the fluid matrix filling the cell.
Lacks a well-defined nucleus; genetic material is not enveloped by a nuclear membrane.
Genomic DNA is typically a single circular chromosome.
Plasmids are small circular DNA molecules found outside of the genomic DNA, often conferring unique traits.

Genetic Characteristics

Plasmids can provide antibiotic resistance and other phenotypic traits.
Used in biotechnology for monitoring bacterial transformation with foreign DNA.

Comparison with Eukaryotes

Eukaryotic cells possess a nuclear membrane; prokaryotic cells do not.
Organelles typical of eukaryotes are absent in prokaryotic cells, with ribosomes being the only notable exception.

Unique Features of Prokaryotes

Inclusion bodies present in prokaryotic cells serve various functions.
Mesosome is a specialized, differentiated form of the cell membrane, characterized by infoldings.

Explore the fascinating world of prokaryotic cells, including bacteria and blue-green algae. This quiz covers their characteristics, reproduction, and diverse shapes. Test your knowledge on the fundamental similarities and variations within these microscopic organisms.