Prokaryotic & Eukaryotic Cells

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering cell theory, homeostasis, structural components, and comparisons between prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms from Dr. Daniel J. Walsh's lecture.

Homeostasis

A constant internal environment enabling components within a cell to perform functions in a microenvironment separated from an external environment.

Plasma Membrane

An insoluble phospholipid layer surrounding the water-filled internal environment of a cell that establishes a distinct compartment.

Prokaryotic (Etymology)

Derived from the Greek words "Pro", meaning "before", and "Karyon", meaning "nucleus".

Eukaryotic (Etymology)

Derived from the Greek words "Eu", meaning "after", and "Karyon", meaning "nucleus".

Prokaryotes

Organisms that existed before the evolution of a nucleus, lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, and typically measuring between $0.5$ to 2\text{ \textmu m} in size.

Eukaryotes

Organisms that evolved to have a nucleus enclosed within a nuclear membrane and membrane-bound internal organelles, typically measuring 5\text{ \textmu m} up to $50$ or 100\text{ \textmu m}.

Cyanobacteria

Prokaryotic organisms that were formerly and mistakenly referred to as blue-green algae.

Domains of Life

The three overarching evolutionary lineages shown on the phylogenetic tree: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryota.

Binary Fission

The asexual reproductive mechanism utilized by prokaryotic cells to divide.

Mitosis

The cellular division process through which eukaryotic cells divide.

Meiosis

The specialized cell division process involved in the sexual life cycle of eukaryotic organisms.

Nucleoid

The region within a prokaryotic cell that contains its circular DNA.

Plasmid

A small, circular DNA molecule found inside bacterial cells separate from the primary nucleoid DNA.

Bacterial Cell Structure

The anatomical organization of a bacterium, including capsule, cell wall, plasma membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, nucleoid, plasmid, pili, and bacterial flagellum.

Cytosol

The soluble fluid component of the prokaryotic cytoplasm where dynamic biochemical transformations take place.

Ribosomes (Prokaryotic)

The insoluble particulate components distributed within the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells.

Pili

Specialized surface appendages on prokaryotic cells evolved to facilitate adhesion to surfaces.

Flagella

Specialized, whip-like prokaryotic structures evolved to enable movement in water.

Extremophiles / Extreme Environments

Unconventional habitats inhabited by prokaryotes that utilize diverse energy sources, such as hot springs, salt water, and high pressures.

T-even Bacteriophage

A specialized virus composed of a DNA-containing capsid head measuring approximately $65\,\text{nm}$, a sheath, baseplate, pins, and tail fibers.