Eukaryotic vs Prokaryotic DNA Flashcards
In general how does a prokaryotic cell differ from a eukaryotic cell?
(2)
Prokaryotic cell consists of a single compartment, the cytosol enclosed by the plasma membrane
While the eukaryotic cell is subdivided by internal membranes which create organelles
DNA holds the key for carrying out what three essential processes?
DNA replication
Transcription
Translation
What is genomic DNA?
gDNA is the main source of DNA in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
It’s responsible for carrying out replication, transcription and translation
What is chromosomal DNA?
DNA which is bound to specific proteins to help package and arrange the DNA inside a cell
What must gDNA do before carrying out a function?
gDNA must unravel first
Why must gDNA unravel before carrying out a function?
As the base pairs need to be exposed
List the characteristics of prokaryotic gDNA.
3
Circular
Housed in nucleoid
Small
List the characteristics of eukaryotic gDNA.
3
Linear
Housed in nucleus
Large (a lot of genes)
What is extrachromosomal DNA.
2
DNA that is found in a cell as an additional source of DNA
It is not involved in maintaining cellular functions like gDNA is but can undergo replication, transcription and translation
What is the main source of extrachromosomal DNA in prokaryotic cells?
Plasmids
What are the two main sources of extrachromosomal DNA in eukaryotic cells?
Mitochondrial DNA
Chloroplast DNA
When is replication needed?
Every time a cell divides
How does replication occur in prokaryotic cells?
2
Occurs on the circular gDNA
Happens prior to cell division through binary fission
How does replication occur in eukaryotic cells?
3
Occurs on linear gDNA
Happens at a precise time in the cell cycle (S-phase)
Prior to cell division through mitosis
What is binary fission?
2
Cell division following enlargement of a cell to twice its minimum size
Five stages
What are the five stages of binary fission?
DNA replication
Cell elongation
Septum formation
Cell wall formation
Cell separation
What is mitosis?
The division of gDNA in 5 phases followed by cytokinesis to produce 2 new daughter cell
When does DNA replication occur in the cell cycle?
2
Occurs in interphase (S-phase)
Prior to mitosis
What are the three phases of interphase?
S phase
G1 phase
G2 phase
What is the S phase?
2
Cell replicates its nuclear DNA
Essential prerequisite for cell division
What is the G1 phase?
The interval between completion of M phase and start of S phase
What is the G2 phase?
The interval between end of S phase and beginning of M phase
What three things happen during gap phases?
3
Cell monitors internal and external environments to ensure that conditions are suitable and preparations are complete
The cell decides whether to proceed or pause
Cell grows in mass, duplicates its cytoplasmic organelles
What makes up the M phase?
Mitosis (nuclear division)
Cytokinesis (cytoplasmic division)
List the phases of mitosis.
4
Prophase
Metaphase
Anaphase
Telophase and cytokinesis
