Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

This set of flashcards summarizes key concepts about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures, functions, and differences, providing an effective study aid for exam preparation.

What does the term 'Prokaryote' mean in Greek?

Before nucleus

What does the term 'Eukaryote' mean in Greek?

True nucleus

What is the average size of a prokaryotic cell?

0.2 - 2.0 μm wide & 2 - 8 μm long

Name the basic shapes of prokaryotic cells.

Bacillus (rod) shaped, Coccus (spherical), Spiral (twisted)

What types of arrangements can prokaryotic cells have?

Diplo (pairs), Strep (chains), Staph (clusters)

What is the main function of ribosomes in prokaryotic cells?

Responsible for protein synthesis.

What are the two types of ribosomes found in cells?

70s (prokaryotic/mitochondria/chloroplasts) and 80s (eukaryotic)

According to the Fluid Mosaic Model, what is the characteristic of the plasma membrane?

Behaves like a thick fluid, allowing lateral movement of proteins and phospholipids.

What is meant by selectively permeable membrane?

Allows some substances to pass while blocking others.

What are the types of passive transport?

Simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and osmosis.

What happens in hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic solutions for a cell?

Hypotonic: water moves into the cell; Isotonic: no net movement; Hypertonic: water moves out of the cell.

What is the composition of the bacterial cell wall?

Made of peptidoglycan, a polymer of NAG and NAM.

What type of bacteria have teichoic acids in their cell walls?

Gram-positive bacteria.

How do antibiotics work against bacterial cell walls?

They interfere with cell wall synthesis, weakening it and causing cell lysis.

What is the function of the outer membrane in gram-negative bacteria?

Protects from phagocytes, complement proteins, and antibiotics.

What does LPS stand for, and what are its two important parts?

Lipopolysaccharides; Lipid A (endotoxin) and O polysaccharide.

What enzyme breaks down peptidoglycan?

Lysozyme.

What is an endospore?

A resting form of some gram-positive bacteria for survival.

Describe the process of sporulation.

Involves DNA replication, forming a forespore, adding membranes, creating protective layers, and releasing the endospore.

What is the difference between Gram-positive and Gram-negative cell walls?

Gram-positive: thick peptidoglycan layer; Gram-negative: thin layer with an outer membrane.

What is the Endosymbiotic Theory?

Explains how eukaryotic cells acquired organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts from engulfed bacteria.

What are some main organelles found in eukaryotic cells?

Golgi complex, lysosomes, vacuoles, mitochondria, chloroplasts.

What is the main role of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

Network of membranes for protein and lipid synthesis.

What distinguishes rough ER from smooth ER?

Rough ER has ribosomes; Smooth ER does not.

What are flagella and cilia made of?

Made of microtubules arranged in a 9 + 2 pattern.

What are the two types of extracellular structures bacteria can have?

Capsule (organized) and slime layer (loose).

What is the purpose of glycocalyx?

Helps in attachment, recognition, and protection for bacteria.

How do fimbriae differ from pili?

Fimbriae are for attachment; pili are involved in DNA transfer and motility.