Prokaryotic Cells

Question 1

What are the main two differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Answer 1

Prokaryotic cells don’t have a nucleus or organelles

Question 2

What does “prokaryotic” mean?

Answer 2

Pro=”before”, kary=”kernel”; “before the kernel” or “before the nucleus”.

Question 3

How do prokaryotic cells hold their DNA since they don’t have a nucleus?

Answer 3

They hold their DNA in ring-like structures called plasmids

Question 4

Are prokaryotes older or younger than eukaryotes in the history of life on Earth?

Answer 4

Older. Prokaryotic cells were the first living organisms that we have evidence of in Earth’s history.

Question 5

What’s the most common type of prokaryotic organism that we talk about today?

Answer 5

Bacteria

Question 6

________ is the process through which bacteria pass on their best genes to other bacteria.

Answer 6

Horizontal gene transfer; bacteria can “give” their best genetic advantages to other bacteria without having to reproduce.

Question 7

The process that prokaryotic cells use to replicate instead of mitosis is called __________

Answer 7

binary fission: “splitting in two”

Question 8

What is the BIG difference between a bacteria and a virus?

Answer 8

Bacteria are alive; viruses are not. Viruses are not living organisms because they can’t replicate on their own.