Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

30 question-and-answer flashcards covering etymology, domain classification, organelles, genetic material, ribosomes, cell size, reproduction, and metabolic considerations in prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells.

What do the Greek roots of the word “prokaryote” mean?

“Pro” means before and “karyon” means nut or kernel (nucleus).

What do the Greek roots of the word “eukaryote” mean?

“Eu” means true and “karyon” means nut or kernel (nucleus).

Which domain(s) of life contain only prokaryotic organisms?

Archaea and Bacteria.

Often found in extreme environments like hot springs.

Archea

most familiar bacteria and its characterized by its unique cell.

Bacteria

Which domain contains all eukaryotic organisms?

Eukarya (or Eukaryota).

Name the four eukaryotic kingdoms.

Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.

Give an example of a common prokaryotic species found in the human gut.

Escherichia coli (E. coli).

What cellular structures are present in all cells and are responsible for protein synthesis?

Ribosomes.

Where is DNA located in prokaryotic cells?

In the nucleoid region of the cytoplasm.

Where is DNA housed in eukaryotic cells?

Inside a membrane-bound nucleus.

How many and what shape are typical prokaryotic chromosomes?

Usually one single circular chromosome.

How many and what shape are typical eukaryotic chromosomes?

Multiple linear chromosomes.

What protein-DNA complexes help package eukaryotic DNA?

Histones.

State the Svedberg values for prokaryotic and cytoplasmic eukaryotic ribosomes.

Prokaryotic ribosomes are 70S; cytoplasmic eukaryotic ribosomes are 80S.

Which ribosomal subunits compose the 70S ribosome?

A 50S large subunit and a 30S small subunit.

Which ribosomal subunits compose the 80S ribosome?

A 60S large subunit and a 40S small subunit.

Why can certain antibiotics target bacteria without harming human cells?

They specifically inhibit 70S ribosomes, which are absent from the human cytoplasm.

Name two extracellular appendages unique to many prokaryotes and state their functions.

Pili (DNA transfer) and fimbriae (surface adhesion).

What extra-protective layer may surround some bacterial cell walls?

A capsule.

What small, circular DNA molecules separate from the main chromosome are common in bacteria?

Plasmids.

List two organelles or structures found only in certain eukaryotic cells.

Centrioles (cell division) and plasmodesmata (intercellular connections in plants).

Describe the usual mode of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes.

Binary fission.

Name the three main processes that provide genetic recombination in bacteria.

Conjugation, transformation, and transduction.

Which bacterial recombination process involves direct cell-to-cell contact via pili?

Conjugation.

Which bacterial recombination process involves uptake of free DNA from the environment?

Transformation.

Which bacterial recombination process uses a virus to transfer DNA between cells?

Transduction.

What term is used when genes move between different bacterial species during conjugation?

Horizontal gene transfer.

Compare typical cell size ranges: Which type is generally smaller, prokaryotic or eukaryotic?

Prokaryotic cells.

State one of the smallest known prokaryotic cell sizes.

Approximately 200–300 nm in diameter.

Give an example of a unicellular eukaryote.

Amoeba, yeast, Euglena, or Paramecium (any one).

How does cell size/shape relate to metabolic needs?

Smaller or specially shaped cells have a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio, improving nutrient and waste exchange to meet metabolic demands.