Microbes Flashcards
What are Prokaryotes? Give examples.
Prokaryotes are single-celled (unicellular) organisms whose cells lack a nucleus and other organelles.
Bacteria & Archaea
What are Eukaryotes? Give examples.
Eukaryotes are multicellular organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Plants, Animals, Fungi
What are some similarities and differences between Prokaryotes & Eukaryotes?
They both contain ribosomes, genetic material, a cytoplasm, and plasma membranes.
Prokaryotes: No Nucleus, No membrane-bound organelles, Circular DNA
Eukaryotes: Have a Nucleus, Have membrane-bound organelles, Linear DNA
What’s special about Archea?
They are the oldest living organisms on the planet and some of the first forms of life scientists have discovered.
What’s the difference between a light microscope and an electron microscope?
You can see smaller microbes in an electron microscope compared to a light microscope.
What’s surface to volume ratio? Why is it important?
The proportion of surface area to volume of what’s contained by the surface. (area of your skin vs. the volume of everything inside you)
This is important because nutrients/waste made on the inside of the cell need to travel to the surface. (the interior cannot be too far from the surface)
What are the different parts of a Prokaryotic cell and what are their functions?
I understand
Describe the structure and function of the Nucleus.
The nucleus is a sphere-shaped organelle found in eukaryotic cells. It contains genetic material (DNA) in the form of nucleic acids.
It is responsible for controlling cellular activity.
What are the different parts of the Nucleus?
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Where is DNA found in Prokaryotic & Eukaryotic cells?
What is Chromatin?
Prokaryotic: The Nucleoid (the central area of the cell called the nucleoid)
Eukaryotic: The Nucleus
DNA + Proteins = Chromatin
What are the 2 different Endoplasmic Reticulum? What are there functions?
Rough ER: Covered with ribosomes. Function, it synthesizes proteins.
Smooth ER: Attaches to rough ER, no ribosomes. Function, it synthesizes fats & detoxifies drugs.
What are Ribosomes? Where are they located and what is there function?
They are small organelles composed of a large subunit and a small subunit.
Located on rough ER or can leave ER and float freely in the cell cytoplasm.
Function, it synthesizes proteins
What are the different parts of the Endomembrane System? What happens in the Golgi Apparatus?
In the Golgi vesicles are received from the rough ER.
Proteins are modified beginning at cis-Golgi.
Proteins are left at trans-Golgi. (they exit or remain in the cell)
Describe the structure and function of a lysosome.
It’s a special type of vesicle that can leave the Golgi. Only found in animal cells.
Function, it breaks down worn-out parts, food, and pathogens via the hydrolytic enzymes.
(white blood cells have lots of lysosomes)
Describe the structure and function of the central vacuole.
It’s a special vesicle only found in plant cells. Mostly filled with water and contains some proteins & sugars.
Function, it helps plant cells maintain their rigidity.
