3.1.3 - Prokaryotic Cells Flashcards
Describe Prokaryotic Cells
(2 Points)
~ Much smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells.
~ Cell division occurs by binary fission.
~ E.g. Bacteria.
What Organelles Do Prokaryotic Cells Contain As Part Of Their Ultrastructure?
(9 Points)
~ Cytoplasm.
~ Plasma membrane.
~ Cell wall.
~ Pili.
~ Capsule.
~ Mesosomes.
~ Plasmids.
~ Circular DNA.
~ Flagellum.
Describe The ‘Cytoplasm’ Of Prokaryotic Cells
(2 Points)
~ Has no membrane-bound organelles.
~ Its ribosomes are smaller than those of eukaryotic cells (7OS).
Describe The ‘Plasma Membrane’ Of Prokaryotic Cells
(2 Points)
~ Mainly made up of lipids and proteins.
~ Controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell.
Describe The ‘Cell Wall’ Of Prokaryotic Cells
(2 Points)
~ Supports the cell and prevents it from changing shape.
~ Made of peptidoglycan and murein.
Describe The ‘Pili’ Of Prokaryotic Cells
(2 Points)
~ Help prokaryotes stick to other cells.
~ Can be used in the transfer of genetic material between cells.
Describe The ‘Capsule’ Of Prokaryotic Cells
(3 Points)
~ Final outer layer of the cell.
~ Made up of secreted slime.
~ Helps to protect bacteria from attack by cells of the immune system.
Describe The ‘Mesosomes’ Of Prokaryotic Cells
(2 Points)
~ Are inward folds in the plasma membrane.
~ Functions including aerobic respiration, cell wall formation and DNA replication.
Describe The ‘Plasmids’ Of Prokaryotic Cells
(3 Points)
~ 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.
Describe The ‘Circular DNA’ Of Prokaryotic Cells
(2 Points)
~ No nucleus, instead DNA floats in the cytoplasm.
~ One long coiled-up strand, not attached to any histone proteins.
Describe The ‘Flagellum’ Of Prokaryotic Cells
(2 Points)
~ Hair-like structures that rotates enabling the prokaryotes to move.
~ Not present in all prokaryotes.