Structure of prokaryotic cells and of viruses

Question 1

Prokaryotic cell properties

Answer 1

Cytoplasm that lacks membrane-bound organelles

Smaller ribosomes

No nucleus; instead they have a single circular DNA molecule that is free in the cytoplasm and is not associated with proteins

A cell wall that contains murein, a glycoprotein

Question 2

Prokaryotic cells may have

Answer 2

One or more plasmids

A capsule surrounding the cell

One or more flagella

Question 3

Genetic material in prokaryotic cells

Answer 3

No nucleus (instead they have a single circular DNA molecule that is free in the cytoplasm and is not associated with proteins)

Question 4

Capsid in prokaryotic cells

Answer 4

Some prokaryotes (e.g. bacteria) are surrounded by a final outer layer known as a capsid.

This is sometimes called the slime capsule

It helps to protect bacteria from drying out and from attack by cells of the immune system of the host organism

Question 5

Attachment protein in prokaryotic cells