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What’s the main difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

The main difference is that prokaryotes don’t have a nucleus.

Why are prokaryotes important if they’re so simple?

They recycle nutrients and help ecosystems function.

How do prokaryotes help with nutrient cycling?

They break down waste and release nutrients into the soil.

Can antibiotics affect eukaryotic cells at all?

Most don’t, but some can cause side effects.

Are all prokaryotes harmful?

No, most are harmless or helpful.

What makes eukaryotes more complex than prokaryotes?

They have organelles and can form multicellular organisms.

How does penicillin kill bacteria?

Penicillin blocks proteins that build the cell wall, so the weak wall can’t hold water pressure, causing the cell to burst.

Can bacteria become resistant to penicillin?

Yes, over time some bacteria evolve resistance by changing their proteins.

What is peptidoglycan, and why is it important?

It’s a strong molecule in bacterial cell walls that keeps them intact.

Are there antibiotics that target eukaryotic pathogens?

Yes, but they’re called antifungals or antiparasitics.

Do antibiotics work on viruses too?

No, antibiotics don’t work on viruses because antibiotics target structures like bacterial cell walls or proteins that viruses don’t have.

Why don’t prokaryotic cells have a nucleus?

They’re simpler and evolved before the nucleus existed.

If prokaryotes don’t have a nucleus, where is their DNA stored?

DNA floats freely in the cytoplasm in the nucleoid region.

Are all bacteria prokaryotic?

Yes, bacteria are prokaryotes because they lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, and have a simple, single-celled structure.

What makes eukaryotic cells more complex?

They have a nucleus and specialized organelles for different jobs.

Why don’t prokaryotes have organelles like mitochondria or ER?

They’re too simple and don’t need them—everything happens in the cytoplasm.

What’s the purpose of organelles in eukaryotic cells?

They perform specialized tasks, like making energy or proteins.

How do you think bacteria are used in biotechnology?

Bacteria are used in biotechnology to produce medicines (like insulin), make food products (like yogurt), and help scientists study genes by easily changing their DNA.