Section 5.2 (Exam 1) Flashcards
Prokaryotic Cells Are the Simplest Cells
What are the 5 key features of prokaryotic cells?
They are enclosed by cell membranes.
They have no membrane-enclosed compartments.
Their DNA is located in a region called the nucleoid.
They contain cytoplasm.
They have ribosomes for protein synthesis.
Most prokaryotes have a rigid outer barrier called a ___________.
cell wall
Bacteria and Archaea are examples of _________________.
prokaryotes
Some bacteria have a slimy ___________ of polysaccharides.
capsule
What is the function of the bacterial capsule?
Protection from white blood cells, desiccation, and help bacteria attach to one another.
How do bacteria carry out photosynthesis without chloroplasts?
They have an internal membrane system that contains the molecules needed for photosynthesis. (Bonus points if you thought of photosynthetic lamellae)
A system of protein filaments that maintain cell shape and play roles in cell movement and cell division, and can be present in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Cytoskeleton
What are flagella and what are they made of?
Flagella are external tail-like structures that some prokaryotes use to swim. They are made of the protein flagelin.
What are pili? What are fimbriae?
Hairlike structures projecting from the cell surface. They help bacteria adhere to other cells and exchange genetic material. Fimbriae are shorter versions of pili. They help adhere to surfaces like animal cells.
