B1.3 Flashcards
What are eukaryotic cells, and which organisms are classified as eukaryotes?
Eukaryotic cells have a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material enclosed in a nucleus. Organisms like animals, plants, fungi, and protists are classified as eukaryotes.
hat are prokaryotic cells, and how do they differ in size compared to eukaryotic cells?
Prokaryotic cells are single-celled organisms like bacteria, typically 1–2 μm in length, which are smaller than eukaryotic cells.
Describe the main differences between the genetic material in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
In eukaryotic cells, the genetic material is enclosed in a nucleus, whereas, in prokaryotic cells, the genetic material is a single loop of DNA found in the cytoplasm and is not enclosed in a nucleus.
What is the function of plasmids in prokaryotic cells?
Plasmids are extra rings of DNA that can code for specific features like antibiotic resistance.
What are flagella, and what is their purpose in some bacteria?
Flagella are long protein strands that help bacteria move by lashing about
Explain what is meant by ‘orders of magnitude’ in cell biology.
Orders of magnitude are used to compare sizes, with one order of magnitude being 10 times bigger or smaller than another value.
If a cell nucleus has an average length of 6 μm, what is the order of magnitude comparison between this and a small animal cell of length 10 μm?
Since 6 μm and 10 μm are within the same range, they are of the same order of magnitude.
Name the structures present in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
Both cell types have a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material.
Why do bacteria not require a nucleus for genetic material?
Bacteria’s genetic material is in a single loop of DNA within the cytoplasm, eliminating the need for a nucleus.
State one advantage and one disadvantage of bacteria in the environment
Advantage: Many bacteria are useful, such as those that decompose organic matter.
Disadvantage: Some bacteria can cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants.
