Prokaryote Cell Structure Flashcards
Why are prokaryotes important?
Used in food preservation/production. Nutrient cycle involvement. Gut microbiota. Disease. Biotechnology and energy production.
What cell structures are present in bacteria and archaea?
Cytoplasm.
Genetic material.
The plasma membrane.
Ribosomes.
What type of ribosomes are present?
70S
What is the cell wall made from?
Murein
What are the 3 main different shapes?
Rod/bacillus.
Coccus.
Spirillum.
How does higher unsaturated phospholipid content affect the cell membrane?
More unsaturated phospholipids = more unstable and flowing cell membrane.
What proteins are found in the cell membrane?
Transmembrane proteins.
Integral membrane proteins.
Peripheral membrane proteins.
How do archaeal membranes different?
Hydrophobic side-chains made from isoprene.
Composed of branched hydrocarbon chains.
Attached to glycerol by ether linkages.
Glycerol is chiral.
How can you differentiate between gram + and gram - bacteria?
After gram staining the gram + appear violet whilst the gram - appear pink/red.
What is the structure of gram + bacteria?
A cytoplasmic membrane surrounded by a thick layer of peptidoglycan.
What is the structure of gram - bacteria?
A cytoplasmic membrane surrounded by a thin layer of peptidoglycan, then an outer membrane.
What makes up peptidoglycan?
Repeating units of N-acetylglucosamine amd N-acetylmuramic acid.
What is the function of flagella?
Used for movement.
What is the function of pili?
Used for genetic material exchange (plasmid exchange).
What is the function of fimbriae?
Responsible for cell attachment.
