Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Considering the evolutionary history of cells, which characteristic would be the LEAST likely to be found in a cell from the earliest forms of life?

  • A defined nucleus bounded by a membrane. (correct)
  • A cytoplasm containing a variety of dissolved substances.
  • A membrane composed of a phospholipid bilayer.
  • Genetic material composed of nucleic acids.

If a bacterial cell loses its capsule, what is the most likely consequence for the cell?

  • Improved resistance to antibiotics.
  • Enhanced ability to form biofilms with other bacterial cells.
  • Increased susceptibility to phagocytosis and environmental stress. (correct)
  • Increased rate of reproduction due to reduced energy expenditure.

Why does the simple structure of prokaryotic cells enable them to reproduce quickly and effectively?

  • Their small size reduces the time needed for nutrient diffusion and waste removal.
  • The lack of membrane-bound organelles simplifies the replication process.
  • The absence of a nucleus allows for faster access to genetic material.
  • All of the above. (correct)

How does the organization of DNA differ between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and what are the implications of these differences?

<p>Prokaryotes typically have a single circular chromosome in the nucleoid region, whereas eukaryotes have multiple linear chromosomes within the nucleus. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a shared characteristic between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

<p>Presence of membrane-bound organelles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A research team discovers a new single-celled organism in a deep-sea hydrothermal vent. Initial analysis reveals the presence of a cell wall composed of unique polysaccharides, a nucleoid region, and ribosomes. Based on this information, how should the organism be classified?

<p>Prokaryotic, due to the presence of a nucleoid region. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence or absence of a cell wall impact the ability of animal cells to maintain their shape and structure?

<p>Animal cells lack a cell wall, utilizing a cytoskeleton composed of protein filaments for structural support and shape maintenance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Imagine a newly discovered drug that specifically inhibits the function of ribosomes. What cellular process would be most directly affected by this drug?

<p>Protein synthesis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A biologist is comparing two unidentified cell samples under a microscope. Sample A contains a nucleus and several membrane-bound organelles, while Sample B lacks a nucleus and has no visible internal compartments. Based on these observations, which of the following statements is most accurate?

<p>Sample A is likely eukaryotic, and Sample B is likely prokaryotic. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios would LEAST directly demonstrate the evolutionary advantage of the relatively simple structure of prokaryotic cells?

<p>A eukaryotic organism, such as a protist, forming a symbiotic relationship with another organism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Prokaryotic Cell

Cells lacking a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles; includes Bacteria and Archaea.

Biofilm

A complex community of microorganisms attached to a surface, enclosed in a self-produced matrix.

Cell Wall (Prokaryotic)

A protective outer layer found in prokaryotic cells that provides rigidity and prevents dehydration.

Capsule (Bacteria)

An additional protein surface on some bacteria that enhances survival in harsh conditions and protects against phagocytosis.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fimbriae (Pili)

Hair-like structures on the surface of bacteria used for attachment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Eukaryotic Cell

Cells containing a true, membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles; found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cytoskeleton (Animal cell)

A network of protein filaments in animal cells that provides structural support and shape.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Chromosomes

Genetic material organized into thread-like structures within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Eukaryotic Cells

Complex, larger cells that contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; can be single-celled or multicellular.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Prokaryotic Cells

Simple, smaller cells lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; includes bacteria and archaea; typically single-celled.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

  • Eukaryotic cells do not include bacteria and archaea
  • Prokaryote is derived from Greek, meaning before nucleus.
  • Prokaryotic cells are bacteria, normally smaller than eukaryotic cells
  • Typical size ranges from 0.1 to 5 microns in diameter
  • Prokaryotic cells are single-celled
  • These cells can cluster forming a biofilm

Cell Structure

  • Possess a cell membrane and cytoplasm
  • Genetic material is housed within the cytoplasm
  • Rigid cell wall provides protection and minimizes dehydration
  • Some bacteria express a capsule protein surface, increasing survival from harsh conditions and phagocytosis
  • Feli can be found on the surface of bacteria

Eukaryotic Cells

  • Contain a true membrane-bound nucleus.
  • The word Eukaryote comes from the Greek word meaning true nucleus
  • Found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists
  • Typically larger than prokaryotic cells, ranging from 10 to 100 microns in diameter
  • Can be single-celled or multicellular organisms

Animal Cells

  • Have a plasma membrane and cytoplasm
  • DNA is enclosed in the nuclear membrane
  • Lack a cell wall
  • Have a cytoskeleton comprising a network of protein filaments
  • DNA is organized into chromosomes inside the nucleus

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells Summary

  • Prokaryotic cells are smaller with a simpler structure, enabling rapid reproduction
  • Eukaryotic cells are larger and more complex
  • Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
  • Eukaryotic cells contain a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles
  • Inside a prokaryotic cell is an open unit with no compartments
  • Small structures called ribosomes are scattered throughout the cytoplasm
  • A prokaryotic cell’s DNA is located in the nucleoid region
  • The nucleoid region is not enclosed by a membrane, unlike a nucleus
  • Prokaryotes have a cell wall surrounding the plasma membrane composed of polysaccharides
  • Prokaryotes possess flagella for movement
  • Both cell types have DNA as their genetic material, ribosomes, cytoplasm, and a plasma membrane
  • Prokaryotic cells are the oldest, while eukaryotic cells evolved later
  • Prokaryotes are single-celled, while eukaryotes can be single-celled or multicellular
  • DNA in prokaryotes is usually a single circular chromosome, while in eukaryotes, it is organized as linear chromosomes

Microorganisms and Cell Types

  • Bacteria are microorganisms that are not eukaryotic.
  • Eukaryotic organisms include yeast, molds, protozoa, and worms.
  • Prokaryotic organisms include bacteria.

Microbiological Growth Media

  • Algae are used to make microbiological growth media.
  • Agar, derived from red algae, is used in growth media
  • Agar provides a solid or semi-solid surface for cultivating microorganisms

Archaea

  • Archaea are extremophiles often found in extreme conditions
  • The Great Salt Lake is a habitat where archaea are likely found due to its high salinity (halophiles)
  • Other habitats include hot springs (thermophiles) and methane-rich environments (methanogens)

Cell Types

  • Prokaryotic cells are simple, smaller, lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., Bacteria and Archaea)
  • Eukaryotic cells are complex, larger, have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., Fungi, plants, animals, and protists)

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser