Prokaryotic Cells Flashcards
What are the four basic shapes of bacteria?
- Bacillus (rod-like)
- Coccus (spherical)
- Vibrio (comma-shaped)
- Spirillum (spiral)
Bacteria may vary greatly in shape and size.
How do prokaryotic cells compare to eukaryotic cells in terms of size and multiplication rate?
Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller and multiply more rapidly than eukaryotic cells.
Prokaryotes exhibit a wide variety of shapes and functions.
What is the fundamental organization of prokaryotic cells?
The organization of prokaryotic cells is fundamentally similar across different types.
This similarity exists despite the wide variety of shapes and functions in prokaryotes.
What organisms are represented by prokaryotic cells?
- Bacteria
- Blue-green algae
- Mycoplasma
- PPLO (Pleuro Like Organisms)
These organisms are examples of prokaryotic cells.
What is the differentiated form of the cell membrane in prokaryotes called?
Mesosome
Mesosomes are infoldings of the cell membrane in prokaryotic cells.
What is the typical size range of eukaryotic cells?
10-20 um
Eukaryotic cells are larger than prokaryotic cells and viruses.
What is the size of typical bacteria?
1-2 um
Bacteria are generally larger than viruses but smaller than eukaryotic cells.
What is the size of viruses?
About 0.1 um
Viruses are the smallest, typically ranging from 20 to 300 nanometers.
What type of DNA do bacteria have outside their genomic DNA?
Plasmid DNA
Plasmids are small circular DNA that confer unique traits to bacteria.
Do prokaryotes have organelles?
No
Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles that are found in eukaryotes.
What characterizes the genetic material of prokaryotes?
Single chromosome/circular DNA
Prokaryotic cells typically have a single, circular chromosome without a nuclear membrane.
What is the role of plasmid DNA in bacteria?
Confers resistance to antibiotics
Plasmids can carry genes that provide beneficial traits, such as antibiotic resistance.
What fills the interior of prokaryotic cells?
Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is the gel-like matrix where cellular components are suspended.
What surrounds the cell membrane of prokaryotes?
Cell wall
The cell wall provides structural support and protection to prokaryotic cells.
True or False: Prokaryotes have a well-defined nucleus.
False
Prokaryotic cells do not have a true nucleus; their genetic material is not enclosed.
Fill in the blank: The genetic material in prokaryotes is _______.
Naked, not enveloped by a nuclear membrane
This means the DNA is not contained within a membrane-bound nucleus.
