Week 9

Question 1

Which features distinguish a eukaryotic cell from a prokaryotic cell?

Answer 1

Key features that distinguish a eukaryotic cell from a prokaryotic cell are a membrane-bound nucleus that houses DNA, creating separate cellular compartments for transcription and translation; membrane-bound organelles that further organize the cell interior and compartmentalize different cellular processes; and dynamic membranes and cytoskeleton that can be remodeled quickly, allowing cells to change shape and transport materials throughout the cell. Also, eukaryotic cells characteristically have multiple linear chromosomes, unlike the single circular chromosomes of Bacteria and Archaea.

Question 2

Energy acquisition in protists

Answer 2

Autotroph; photosynthesis
Heterotroph; absorption, ingestion of larger material/prey (phagocytosis and cytostome)
Some protists can carry out photosynthesis, absorption, and ingestion

Question 3

Movement in protists

Answer 3

Pseudopodia: temporary protrusions of cell
Flagellum: propeller like motion
Cilia: back and forth beating

Question 4

Reproduction in protists

Answer 4

Major stage could be haploid or diploid, either could reproduce asexually via mitosis, either could produce gametes for sexual reproduction; if haploid, produces gametes via mitosis OR if diploid, produces gametes via meiosis

Question 5

Sexual reproduction

Answer 5

Any form of reproduction in which genes from two parents care combined via fusion of gametes, producing offspring that are genetically distinct

Question 6

Gametes

Answer 6

Haploid reproductive cells that can fuse together; often two distinct forms; created via meiosis

Question 7

Meiosis

Answer 7

Cell division in which on diploid cell produces haploid cells; cause recombination

Question 8

Asexual reproduction

Answer 8

Any form of reproduction in which offspring inherit DNA from only one parent, asexual reproduction in protists carried out by mitosis

Question 9

Mitosis

Answer 9

Division of nucleus of parent cell creating two “daughter” nuclei that are identical (cytokinesis)

Question 10

Haploid

Answer 10

Describes a cell with one complete set of chromosomes, written as “n”

Question 11

Diploid

Answer 11

Describes a cell with two complete sets of chromosomes, written as “2n”

Question 12

What is the origin of the chloroplast and mitochondrion?

Answer 12

The chloroplast and mitochondrion are thought to have originated through endosymbiosis, a symbiosis in which one partner lives within the other. Chloroplasts closely resemble cyanobacteria and are thought to be descendants of symbiotic cyanobacteria that lived within eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria closely resemble proteobacteria and are also thought to have evolved as symbionts

Question 13

Endosymbiosis

Answer 13

A symbiosis in which one partner lives within the other; the theory for the origin of chloroplasts and mitochondria.