Lecture 4: Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells

What are the 6 characteristics of prokaryotes?

DNA is not associated with histone proteins
DNA is in the form of a single, circular molecule

Lack membrane bound organelles

Have a cell wall

Binary fission

Very small

What is the shape of prokaryotes?

Very diverse due to adaptive pressure that helps organism survive

How is shape important for prokaryotes?

Can affect critical biological functions

Coccus

Round

Bacillus

Rod-shaped

Vibrio

Comma shaped

Spirillum

Corkscrew shaped

Spirochete

Helical and flexible

Diplo

two cells together

Strepto

Chain of cells

Staphylo

Cluster of cells

Tetrads

Group of 4 cells

Sarcinae

Group of 8 cells

Palisades

Picket fence appearance

Monomorphic

Bacteria that exhibit one shape consistently

Pleomorphic

Shape changes from rod-like or club shape

Glycocalyx

Sticky polymer coating that covers the outside of the cell wall

Capsule

Organized and firm glycocalyx

Slime layer

unorganized or loosely attached glycocalyx

What are the 5 important functions of the glycocalyx?

Protection against phagocytosis