Prokaryotic Cells

These flashcards cover key concepts related to prokaryotic cells, their functions, characteristics, and roles in the environment.

Prokaryotes represent two of the three domains of life: The Domain and The Domain .

Bacteria; Archaea

Prokaryotes play key roles in the life-sustaining recycling of the elements __, __, and __.

C, N, O

Pseudomonas syringae can manipulate water molecules to promote __ at higher temperatures.

ice growth

In terms of size, prokaryotic cells are generally __ than animal cells.

smaller

The three common shapes of prokaryotes include cocci (spherical), bacilli (__), and spirilla (spiral).

rod-shaped

The prokaryotic plasma membrane is surrounded by the prokaryotic cell wall, which contains a structural molecule named __.

peptidoglycan

Gram-positive bacteria stain __ because they retain the crystal violet stain in their thick peptidoglycan layer.

blue/purple

The prokaryotic cell wall provides rigidity and protection from the environment, and is often coated with an external layer of __.

polysaccharides (glycocalyx)

Differences in cell wall composition distinguish between and bacteria.

Gram-positive; Gram-negative

Prokaryotes reproduce mainly by __, which involves the parent cell dividing to form two daughter cells.

binary fission

Aerobes are prokaryotes that require __ for cellular respiration.

O2

N-fixation is an exclusively __ process essential for replenishing nitrogen sources needed by plants and animals.

prokaryotic

Bacteria such as Azotobacter and Rhizobium are examples of __ bacteria.

N-fixing

__ differs from eukaryotic cells primarily by lacking a nucleus.

Prokaryotic cells

The __ technique is used to distinguish between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Gram stain

Many species of Archaea are known as __ because they inhabit extreme environments.

extremophiles