Prokaryotes and Viruses

Question 1

Define a prokaryotic cell

Answer 1

Cells of organisms that do not have a nucleus or membrane bound organelles

Question 2

Define a virus

Answer 2

An acellular, non living particle

Question 3

Describe the structure of a
prokaryotic cell

Answer 3

Cell wall made from murein
Slime capsule surrounding the wall
Cell surface membrane
Ribosomes
Circular strand of DNA not contained in a nucleus
Plasmids - small circular pieces of DNA

Question 4

describe the structure of a virus

Answer 4

DNA or RNA enclosed within a protein coat called a capsid
Some also have a lipid envelope
Attachment proteins on the outside

Question 5

Compare the structure of
prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Answer 5

Nucleus - prokaryote non, eukaryote present, with nuclear envelope
DNA - prokaryote not associated with proteins, eukaryotes associated with histone proteins
Plasmids - prokaryotes present, eukaryotes absent
Membrane bound organelles - prokaryotes absent, eukaryotes present
Chloroplasts - prokaryotes absent (some do have chlorophyll), eukaryotes present
Ribosomes - prokaryotes 70s (smaller), eukaryotes 80s (larger)
Cell wall - prokaryotes present, made of murein, eukaryotes plant cells only made of cellulose
Mucilaginous capsule - prokaryotes present, eukaryotes absent