Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells - Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells based on the lecture notes.

Prokaryote

A unicellular organism that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; includes Archaea and Bacteria.

Eukaryote

A cell that contains a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; belongs to Domain Eukarya.

Nucleus

Membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotes that houses genetic material; absent in prokaryotes.

Nucleolus

Region inside the nucleus where ribosomal RNA synthesis occurs.

Chromatin

DNA wrapped around histone proteins; forms chromosomes; becomes visible as chromosomes during cell division.

Nucleoid

Region in a prokaryotic cell where DNA is located; not bounded by a membrane.

Plasma membrane

Phospholipid bilayer surrounding the cell; controls movement of substances; present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Cell wall

Rigid layer outside the plasma membrane; prokaryotes typically have peptidoglycan; plants have cellulose; fungi have chitin.

Capsule

Gelatinous outer layer found in some bacteria; aids in protection and adhesion.

Mesosome

Invaginations of the prokaryotic plasma membrane; historically observed, function debated.

Ribosome

Molecular machine for protein synthesis; 70S in prokaryotes; 80S in most eukaryotic cytoplasm (mitochondria/chloroplasts have 70S).

Bacterial flagellum

Tail-like structure used for motility in many prokaryotes.

Endomembrane system

System of membranes in eukaryotic cells including ER, Golgi, lysosomes, endosomes, and vacuoles.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Endomembrane system region studded with ribosomes; synthesizes proteins destined for membranes or secretion.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Endomembrane region lacking ribosomes; involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Golgi apparatus

Organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery.

Lysosome

Organelle with digestive enzymes for break down of waste and cellular debris.

Endosome

Membrane-bound compartment involved in sorting endocytosed material.

Vacuole

Membrane-bound vesicle for storage and maintaining turgor (large central vacuole in plants).

Mitochondrion

Organelle that produces ATP via respiration; contains its own DNA and ribosomes.

Chloroplast

Organelle where photosynthesis occurs in plants/algae; contains chlorophyll and own DNA; has ribosomes.

Peptidoglycan

Polymer forming the bacterial cell wall in most prokaryotes.

Sterols

Sterol molecules in eukaryotic membranes (cholesterol in animals, phytosterol in plants, ergosterol in fungi); prokaryotes generally lack sterols.

Hopanoids

Sterol-like lipid components found in some prokaryotic membranes.

Histones

Proteins around which eukaryotic DNA winds to form nucleosomes.

Nucleosomes

Units of chromatin; DNA wrapped around a histone protein core.

Telomeres

Repeats at the ends of linear eukaryotic chromosomes; maintained by telomerase; absent in prokaryotes.

Telomerase

Enzyme that extends telomeres in eukaryotic chromosomes.

Chromosome number (eukaryotes vs prokaryotes)

Eukaryotes typically have multiple linear chromosomes; prokaryotes usually have a single circular chromosome (plus plasmids).

Plasmid

Extrachromosomal circular DNA found in many prokaryotes; carries additional genes.

Giardia lamblia

Flagellated parasitic protist that colonizes the small intestine and causes giardiasis.

Domain Eukarya

The domain that includes protists, fungi, plants, and animals; all are eukaryotic.

Archaea and Bacteria

Domains comprising prokaryotes; lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Transcription

Process of copying DNA into RNA; in eukaryotes occurs in the nucleus; in prokaryotes occurs in the cytoplasm.

Translation

Process of converting RNA into protein; in eukaryotes occurs in the cytoplasm; in prokaryotes it can occur concurrently with transcription in the cytoplasm.