Honors Microbiology - Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to prokaryotes and eukaryotes as discussed in the Honors Microbiology lecture.

What are two main differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Prokaryotes have no nucleus and no organelles, while eukaryotes do.

What are the two domains of prokaryotes?

Archaea and Bacteria.

What is the shape of cocci bacteria?

Round (O).

What is the shape of bacilli bacteria?

Rod (|).

What is the shape of spirillum bacteria?

Wavy.

What is the advantage of bacteria having a large surface to volume ratio?

It allows for faster diffusion of nutrients and wastes, helping bacteria grow.

What is the function of ribosomes in a prokaryotic cell?

They make proteins for the cell.

What is the role of the cell wall in bacteria?

It gives shape and protection to the cell.

What is peptidoglycan and why is it important?

It is a component of the bacterial cell wall that provides strength and shape.

What component of the cell wall can be destroyed by penicillin?

Peptidoglycan.

What is the name of the organism that lacks a cell wall?

Mycoplasma.

Why is the cell membrane described as a fluid mosaic?

Because proteins and lipids move freely within the membrane, forming a flexible pattern.

What are the two types of pili and their functions?

Conjugation pili transfer DNA between bacteria, and attachment pili help bacteria stick to surfaces.

What is the main method of reproduction for prokaryotes?

Binary fission.

What is chemotaxis in bacteria?

Movement toward or away from chemicals.

What is the endosymbiotic theory?

It explains how eukaryotic cells acquired organelles by engulfing smaller prokaryotic cells.

What is the function of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells?

They generate ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

What does the plasma membrane do?

It controls what enters and leaves the cell.

What is osmosis?

The diffusion of water from high to low concentration.

What is the role of lysosomes in a cell?

They contain digestive enzymes that break down waste materials.

What is facilitated diffusion?

Movement of molecules from high to low concentration through a protein carrier.

What characterizes gram-positive bacteria?

They have a thick peptidoglycan layer that retains crystal violet stain.

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

It receives, modifies, and transports proteins and materials to the right places in the cell.

What is the importance of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells?

It maintains cell shape, supports the cell, and allows for movement.

What is the primary role of chloroplasts in plant cells?

They are responsible for photosynthesis.

What happens during sporulation?

Bacteria enter a tough, inactive form called an endospore.

Define hypotonic solution. What happens to a cell in this solution?

In a hypotonic solution, water moves into the cell and may cause it to burst.

What is the function of peroxisomes?

They break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances.

What is the structure of a typical prokaryotic cell?

It includes structures such as ribosomes, a cell wall, a membrane, and a nucleoid.

What distinguishes gram-negative bacteria?

They have a thin peptidoglycan layer and do not retain crystal violet stain.