Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the definitions, characteristics, and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells as described in the lecture notes.

Prokaryote (Etymology)

Derived from the Greek words "pro" (meaning: before) and "karyon" (meaning: kernel), translating to "before nuclei."

Prokaryotic fossil records

Records dating back to almost $3.5$ billion years ago, representing one of the most ancient groups of living organisms on earth.

Cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic prokaryotes that perform photosynthesis.

Eukaryote (Etymology)

Derived from the Greek words "eu" (meaning: good) and "karyon" (meaning: kernel), translating to "good or true nuclei."

Prokaryotic cell size

Ranges in size from $0.2\,\mu m - 2.0\,\mu m$ in diameter.

Eukaryotic cell size

Size ranges from $10\,\mu m - 100\,\mu m$ in diameter.

Nucleoid region

An area in a prokaryotic cell where DNA is found since a nucleus is absent.

Prokaryotic DNA arrangement

Circular.

Eukaryotic DNA arrangement

Linear in shape.

Binary fission

The method of cell division used by prokaryotes.

Mitosis

The method of cell division used by eukaryotes.

Heterotrophs

Multicellular organisms, like animals, that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.

Autototrophs

Primarily multicellular organisms, like plants, that produce their own food using inorganic materials and energy from sunlight.

Plasmids

Extrachromosomal DNA present in prokaryotes and very rarely found in eukaryotes.

Kingdom Monera

The kingdom consisting of prokaryotes, which is excluded from the kingdoms categorized under eukaryotes.

Kingdom Eukaryota

The kingdom under which protozoa, fungi, plants, and animals are classified.