6.5

Question 1

Compare and contrast the genetic material of viruses and prokaryotes

Answer 1

Similarity:
- Neither stores in nucleus
- both can be double stranded DNA
Differences:
- viruses can also have single stranded RNA, whereas prokaryotes do not
- virus genetic material is linear, whereas prokaryotes’ is circular (or in small plasmid loops)

Question 2

Compare and contrast the structure of viruses and prokaryotes

Answer 2

Similarities:
- Contains DNA
Differences:
- Viruses have outer protein coats, prokaryotes have outer membranes
- prokaryotes much more complex (ribosomes, cell wall, plasmids and flagella etc), viruses are much more simple do not contain (many) organelles