3.2.1.2

Question 1

State the role of plasmids in prokaryotes

Answer 1

-small ring of DNA that carries non-essential genes
-can be exchanged between bacterial cells via conjugation

Question 2

State the role of flagella in prokaryotes

Answer 2

-rotating tail propels (unicellular organism)

Question 3

State the role of the capsule in prokaryotes

Answer 3

polysaccharide layer:
-prevents desiccation
-acts as a food reserve
-provides mechanical protection against phagocytosis and external chemicals
-sticks cells together

Question 4

Compare eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells (simularities)

Answer 4

-cell membrane
-cytoplasm
-ribosomes

Question 5

Contrast Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells

Answer 5

Prokaryotic:
-small cells
-always unicellular
-no membrane bound organelles and no nucleus
-circular DNA not associated with proteins
-small ribosomes (70s)
-binary fission (always asexual reproduction)
-murein cell walls
-capsule + sometimes plasmids + cytoplasm

Eukaryotic:
-larger cells
-often multicelluar
-always have organelles and nucleus
-linear chromosomes associated with histones
-larger ribosomes (80S)
-mitosis and meiosis (sexual and/or asexual reproduction)
-cellulose cell wall (plants) or chitin (fungi)
-no capsule, no plasmids, always cytoskeleton