Eukaryotes versus Prokaryotes Flashcards
Question 1: What is the main structural difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes in terms of their nucleus?
Answer 1: Eukaryotes have a well-defined nucleus encased by a nuclear membrane, while prokaryotes lack this nuclear membrane, and their genetic material is not enclosed in a distinct nucleus.
Question 2: Which type of cells, prokaryotes or eukaryotes, have membrane-bound organelles within their cytoplasm?
Answer 2: Eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles within their cytoplasm, whereas prokaryotes lack organelles.
Question 3: Do prokaryotic cells possess histones, and what is their role in eukaryotic cells?
Answer 3: Prokaryotic cells do not possess histones, whereas eukaryotic cells have histones that bind with DNA and are involved in supercoiling DNA.
Question 4: How does the genetic material differ between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
Answer 4: Eukaryotic cells typically have several or many chromosomes, which are part of the DNA/RNA structures involved in protein production/synthesis. Prokaryotic cells have a single circular chromosome.
Question 5: Which group of organisms exhibits greater structural complexity, prokaryotes or eukaryotes?
Answer 5: Eukaryotes exhibit greater structural complexity compared to prokaryotes due to their membrane-bound organelles, extensive intracellular organization, and larger size.
Question 6: Name an example of a prokaryotic organism.
Answer 6: Examples of prokaryotic organisms include cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and bacteria.
Question 7: Which type of cells, prokaryotes or eukaryotes, have a well-defined nucleus encased by a nuclear membrane?
Answer 7: Eukaryotic cells have a well-defined nucleus encased by a nuclear membrane, while prokaryotic cells lack this feature.
Question 8: In terms of transport mechanisms across cellular membranes and enzyme content, which group, prokaryotes or eukaryotes, is more complex?
Answer 8: Eukaryotes are more complex in terms of transport mechanisms across cellular membranes and enzyme content compared to prokaryotes.
Question 9: What are some examples of eukaryotic organisms?
Answer 9: Examples of eukaryotic organisms include higher animals, humans, plants, fungi, protozoa, and algae.
Question 10: Can you explain why viruses are considered non-living entities?
Answer 10: Viruses are considered non-living entities because they lack the cellular machinery required for metabolism and reproduction. They can only replicate inside host cells by hijacking the host’s cellular machinery.
