Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells Flashcards

Flashcards about Prokaryotic Cells, their structure, and comparison to Eukaryotic Cells.

Prokaryote

A single-celled organism without a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryote

An organism with cells containing a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Capsule (Prokaryotic Cell)

An additional protective layer sometimes present in prokaryotic cells.

Cell Wall (Prokaryotic Cell)

A structure made of cross-linked peptidoglycan that provides support and protection to prokaryotic cells.

Pili (Prokaryotic Cell)

Hair-like structures on the surface of prokaryotic cells used for attachment to other cells or surfaces and involved in sexual reproduction.

Bacterial Flagella

Thinner than eukaryotic flagella and lacks a 9+2 arrangement; used for locomotion and powered by chemiosmosis.

Prokaryotic Ribosome

Smaller than eukaryotic ribosomes, designated as 70S, and necessary for protein synthesis.

Eukaryotic Ribosome

Larger than prokaryotic ribosomes, designated as 80S, and involved in the formation of more complex proteins.

Plasmid

A small circle of DNA, several may be present in a prokaryotic cell

Mesosome

Infolding of plasma membrane in prokaryotic cell, associated with DNA during cell division, and helps with formation of new cell walls

Peptidoglycan

Polymer of amino acids and sugars that make up the cell wall in prokaryotic cells

Theory of Endosymbiosis

Mitochondria and chloroplasts were formerly free-living bacteria (prokaryotes) taken inside another cell as an endosymbiont.