Prokaryotic Cells

Which two domains of life consist exclusively of prokaryotic organisms?

Bacteria and Archaea.

Which organisms are classified as eukaryotes?

Animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

What are the four components shared by all cells, whether prokaryotic or eukaryotic?

Plasma membrane, cytoplasm, DNA, and ribosomes.

How is a prokaryote defined regarding internal structure?

It is a simple, mostly unicellular organism that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Where is the chromosomal DNA found in a prokaryotic cell?

In the nucleoid.

What is the primary material used to build most bacterial cell walls?

Peptidoglycan.

List three functions of the bacterial cell wall.

It provides protection, maintains cell shape, and prevents dehydration.

The polysaccharide layer that allows a prokaryote to adhere to environmental surfaces is the _____.

Capsule.

Which prokaryotic structure is used specifically for locomotion?

Flagella.

What is the specific function of pili in bacteria?

They exchange genetic material during conjugation.

Define the process of conjugation in bacteria.

The transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another through direct contact.

How do bacteria use fimbriae?

To attach to a host cell.

What essential nutrient is produced by microbes living in the human gut?

Vitamin K.

The use of microbes to remove pollutants from soil or groundwater is known as _____.

Bioremediation technologies.

What is the typical diameter range for a prokaryotic cell?

$0.1$ to $5.0\ \mu m$.

What is the typical diameter range for a eukaryotic cell?

$10$ to $100\ \mu m$.

Why does the small size of prokaryotes benefit their internal transport?

It allows ions and organic molecules to quickly diffuse to all parts of the cell.

How do eukaryotic cells compensate for their larger size regarding intracellular transport?

They have developed structural adaptations to enhance transport.

What geometric shape do most cells approximate?

A sphere.

As a cell's radius increases, its volume increases as the _____ of its radius.

Cube.

What happens to the surface area-to-volume ratio as a cell increases in size?

The ratio decreases.

Why is a high surface area-to-volume ratio necessary for cell survival?

It ensures the plasma membrane can support the rate of diffusion required for the cell's volume.

What is the most common way for a cell that has grown too large to regain efficiency?

To divide.

How do some cells increase their surface area without increasing volume?

Through foldings of the cell membrane.

Why are microbes described as 'ubiquitous'?

They are present everywhere, including surfaces like doorknobs, money, and skin.