Cell Diversity – Biology 101 Review

Forty question–answer flashcards that review key points about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, organelles, and the distinguishing features of the five-kingdom classification system.

What Greek roots form the word “prokaryote,” and what do they mean?

“Pro” means before, and “karyon” means nut or kernel, referring to a cell that existed before a true nucleus evolved.

What is the typical size range of prokaryotic cells?

Approximately 1–5 µm in diameter.

Where is the genetic material located in a prokaryotic cell?

In a nucleoid region that contains circular DNA but is not enclosed by a membrane.

Which additional small DNA molecules in prokaryotes often confer antibiotic resistance?

Plasmids.

By what asexual process do prokaryotes reproduce?

Binary fission, producing two genetically identical daughter cells.

Name two cellular processes that prokaryotes cannot perform but eukaryotes can.

Endocytosis and exocytosis.

What is the typical size range of eukaryotic cells?

Roughly 10–100 µm in diameter.

How is eukaryotic DNA organized with proteins?

Linear DNA wraps around histone proteins to form nucleosomes, the basic unit of chromatin.

Which two cellular division processes occur in eukaryotic cells?

Mitosis and meiosis.

Which of the five kingdoms contains only prokaryotic organisms?

Kingdom Monera.

List the four eukaryotic kingdoms in the five-kingdom system.

Plantae, Fungi, Animalia, and Protista.

Which organelle is responsible for ATP production in eukaryotic cells?

The mitochondrion.

What is the primary function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?

Protein synthesis and initial modification, via ribosomes attached to its surface.

What role do ribosomes play in a cell?

They assemble amino acids into polypeptide chains during protein synthesis.

Which organelle modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion?

The Golgi apparatus.

What green pigment do chloroplasts use to capture light energy for photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll.

Which type of plastid stores yellow, orange, and red pigments that aid photosynthesis?

Chromoplasts containing carotenoids.

What observable process causes chloroplasts to move within live leaf cells?

Cytoplasmic streaming—the flow of cytosol inside the cell.

Why were fungi separated from the plant kingdom?

Fungal cells cannot perform photosynthesis; they are consumers, not producers.

Name the primary structural material produced by osteocytes.

Bone matrix rich in calcium phosphate.

What type of animal cell forms cartilage?

Chondrocytes.

Which animal cell transmits electrical impulses throughout the body?

A neuron (nerve cell).

How is a squamous epithelial cell shaped?

It is flattened, resembling thin plates or scales.

Give one major function of epithelial tissue.

Protection of underlying structures (also secretion or absorption).

By what structure do members of Sarcodina move?

Pseudopodia—temporary cytoplasmic projections acting as false feet.

Which protist group moves by using cilia?

Ciliophora (ciliates).

What locomotory organelle characterizes members of Sarcomastigophora?

Flagella.

Which protozoan group lacks locomotory structures?

Sporozoa.

What shape are bacteria classified as cocci?

Spherical (round).

What bacterial term describes rod-shaped cells?

Bacilli (singular: bacillus).

What name is given to spiral-shaped bacteria?

Spirilla (singular: spirillum).

In which extreme environment would you find halophiles?

Very salty environments such as salt lakes or brine pools.

Which archaebacteria thrive in very hot conditions?

Thermophiles.

What waste product is generated by methanogens?

Methane gas.

Which archaebacteria prefer acidic environments?

Acidophiles.

What cell structure protects some bacteria and is called a capsule or slime layer?

An outer gelatinous covering composed of polysaccharides or proteins.

What is the function of pili (fimbriae) on bacterial cells?

Attachment to surfaces or other cells and facilitation of DNA transfer during conjugation.

Which cytoskeletal components help in spindle formation during eukaryotic cell division?

Microtubules originating from centrioles/centrosomes.

Why are plasmids important tools in biotechnology?

They can be engineered to carry and replicate foreign genes in host cells.

What is cytoplasmic streaming, and why is it important?

The directed movement of cytosol that circulates organelles and nutrients, enhancing intracellular transport and distribution.