3.1.3 - Prokaryotic Cells

Question 1

Describe Prokaryotic Cells
(3 Points)

Answer 1

~ Much smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells.

~ Cell division occurs by binary fission.

~ E.g. Bacteria.

Question 2

What Organelles Do Prokaryotic Cells Contain As Part Of Their Ultrastructure?
(9 Points)

Answer 2

~ Cytoplasm.

~ Plasma membrane.

~ Cell wall.

~ Pili.

~ Capsule.

~ Mesosomes.

~ Plasmids.

~ Circular DNA.

~ Flagellum.

Question 3

Describe The ‘Cytoplasm’ Of Prokaryotic Cells
(2 Points)

Answer 3

~ Has no membrane-bound organelles.

~ Its ribosomes are smaller than those of eukaryotic cells (7OS).

Question 4

Describe The ‘Plasma Membrane’ Of Prokaryotic Cells
(2 Points)

Answer 4

~ Mainly made up of lipids and proteins.

~ Controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Question 5

Describe The ‘Cell Wall’ Of Prokaryotic Cells
(2 Points)

Answer 5

~ Supports the cell and prevents it from changing shape.

~ Made of peptidoglycan and murein.

Question 6

Describe The ‘Pili’ Of Prokaryotic Cells
(2 Points)

Answer 6

~ Help prokaryotes stick to other cells.

~ Can be used in the transfer of genetic material between cells.

Question 7

Describe The ‘Capsule’ Of Prokaryotic Cells
(3 Points)

Answer 7

~ Final outer layer of the cell.

~ Made up of secreted slime.

~ Helps to protect bacteria from attack by cells of the immune system.

Question 8

Describe The ‘Mesosomes’ Of Prokaryotic Cells
(2 Points)

Answer 8

~ Are inward folds in the plasma membrane.

~ Functions including aerobic respiration, cell wall formation and DNA replication.

Question 9

Describe The ‘Plasmids’ Of Prokaryotic Cells
(3 Points)

Answer 9

~ Are small loops of DNA, separate from the main circular DNA molecule.

~ Contain genes for e.g. antibiotic resistance which can be passed between prokaryotes.

~ Not always present in prokaryotes.

Question 10

Describe The ‘Circular DNA’ Of Prokaryotic Cells
(2 Points)

Answer 10

~ No nucleus, instead DNA floats in the cytoplasm.

~ One long coiled-up strand, not attached to any histone proteins.

Question 11

Describe The ‘Flagellum’ Of Prokaryotic Cells
(2 Points)

Answer 11

~ Hair-like structures that rotates enabling the prokaryotes to move.

~ Not present in all prokaryotes.