Eukaryotic vs Prokaryotic DNA

Question 1

In general how does a prokaryotic cell differ from a eukaryotic cell?
(2)

Answer 1

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

Question 2

DNA holds the key for carrying out what three essential processes?

Answer 2

DNA replication

Transcription

Translation

Question 3

What is genomic DNA?

Answer 3

gDNA is the main source of DNA in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

It’s responsible for carrying out replication, transcription and translation

Question 4

What is chromosomal DNA?

Answer 4

DNA which is bound to specific proteins to help package and arrange the DNA inside a cell

Question 5

What must gDNA do before carrying out a function?

Answer 5

gDNA must unravel first

Question 6

Why must gDNA unravel before carrying out a function?

Answer 6

As the base pairs need to be exposed

Question 7

List the characteristics of prokaryotic gDNA.

3

Answer 7

Circular

Housed in nucleoid

Small

Question 8

List the characteristics of eukaryotic gDNA.

3

Answer 8

Linear

Housed in nucleus

Large (a lot of genes)

Question 9

What is extrachromosomal DNA.

2

Answer 9

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

Question 10

What is the main source of extrachromosomal DNA in prokaryotic cells?

Answer 10

Plasmids

Question 11

What are the two main sources of extrachromosomal DNA in eukaryotic cells?

Answer 11

Mitochondrial DNA

Chloroplast DNA

Question 12

When is replication needed?

Answer 12

Every time a cell divides

Question 13

How does replication occur in prokaryotic cells?

2

Answer 13

Occurs on the circular gDNA

Happens prior to cell division through binary fission

Question 14

How does replication occur in eukaryotic cells?

3

Answer 14

Occurs on linear gDNA

Happens at a precise time in the cell cycle (S-phase)

Prior to cell division through mitosis

Question 15

What is binary fission?

2

Answer 15

Cell division following enlargement of a cell to twice its minimum size

Five stages

Question 16

What are the five stages of binary fission?

Answer 16

DNA replication

Cell elongation

Septum formation

Cell wall formation

Cell separation

Question 17

What is mitosis?

Answer 17

The division of gDNA in 5 phases followed by cytokinesis to produce 2 new daughter cell

Question 18

When does DNA replication occur in the cell cycle?

2

Answer 18

Occurs in interphase (S-phase)

Prior to mitosis

Question 19

What are the three phases of interphase?

Answer 19

S phase

G1 phase

G2 phase

Question 20

What is the S phase?

2

Answer 20

Cell replicates its nuclear DNA

Essential prerequisite for cell division

Question 21

What is the G1 phase?

Answer 21

The interval between completion of M phase and start of S phase

Question 22

What is the G2 phase?

Answer 22

The interval between end of S phase and beginning of M phase

Question 23

What three things happen during gap phases?

3

Answer 23

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

Question 24

What makes up the M phase?

Answer 24

Mitosis (nuclear division)

Cytokinesis (cytoplasmic division)

Question 25

List the phases of mitosis.

4

Answer 25

Prophase

Metaphase

Anaphase

Telophase and cytokinesis