Prokaryotes and Viruses

Flashcards covering key concepts related to prokaryotes and viruses, including their structures, differences, and characteristics.

What is the average diameter of prokaryotes?

0.5 – 2 µm

What type of cell wall do prokaryotes have?

Peptidoglycan cell wall

Do prokaryotes contain double membrane organelles?

No, they lack double membrane organelles such as mitochondria, nucleus, and chloroplasts.

Describe the DNA in prokaryotes.

They have naked circular DNA without histone proteins.

What type of ribosomes do prokaryotes have?

70S ribosomes.

What are the main differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells are smaller (0.5 - 2 µm), have circular DNA, lack histones, and do not have double membrane organelles; eukaryotic cells are larger (up to 100 µm), have linear DNA associated with histones, contain a nucleus, and have double membrane organelles.

What characterizes a virus?

A virus is a small infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of other organisms.

What is the structure of a virus capsid?

It is made up of proteins.

Can viruses infect all forms of life?

Yes, viruses can infect animals, plants, and microorganisms like bacteria.

What is an additional structure that some viruses possess beyond the capsid?

Some viruses have an additional envelope made of phospholipids.