MCB CH.2 Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes Lecture Notes

A set of flashcards covering key concepts related to prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, microscopy, and cellular structures.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria that retain a crystal violet stain due to a thick peptidoglycan layer.

Gram-negative bacteria

Bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain and are stained pink/red due to a thinner peptidoglycan layer and outer membrane.

Glycocalyx

A gelatinous, sticky substance that surrounds the outside of a bacterial cell, aiding in attachment and protection.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures that allow motility in bacteria.

Plasmids

Small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecules found in prokaryotes that can confer advantageous traits.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces four genetically distinct haploid gametes.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance within the cell, composed of water and dissolved chemicals.

Fimbriae

Short, thin structures that cover the bacterial surface and aid in attachment.

Bacillus

A rod-shaped bacterium.

Prokaryotes

Microscopic, unicellular organisms that lack nuclei and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotes

Microscopic, unicellular and multicellular organisms with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Mitosis

The process where a single cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells, maintaining the diploid (2n) number of chromosomes.

Genetic Structure

Prokaryotes typically have a single circular DNA chromosome, whereas eukaryotes have multiple linear chromosomes.

Diploid (2n)

A cell state containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one set inherited from each biological parent.

Haploid (n)

A cell state containing a single set of unpaired chromosomes, characteristic of gametes produced via meiosis.

Anaphase

The phase where sister chromatids (in mitosis/meiosis II) or homologous chromosomes (in meiosis I) are pulled to opposite poles.

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes, enhancing genetic diversity during Prophase I.

Homologous Chromosomes

Paired chromosomes that carry the same genes in the same order, with one inherited from each parent.

Independent Assortment

The random distribution of maternal and paternal homologous chromosomes into daughter cells during Metaphase I.

Meiosis I

The first meiotic division which separates homologous pairs, effectively reducing the cell from diploid to haploid.

Meiosis II

The second meiotic division where sister chromatids separate, resulting in four genetically distinct haploid cells.