Prokaryotic cells and viruses

• What are prokaryotic cells compared to eukaryotic cells?

  Prokaryotic cells are smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells.
• Why is it important to know the structure of prokaryotic cells?

  It is essential for understanding their functions and differences from eukaryotic cells.
• What is the cytoplasm of a prokaryotic cell like?

  The cytoplasm of a prokaryotic cell has no membrane-bound organelles.
• What is the main composition of the plasma membrane in eukaryotic cells?

  The plasma membrane is mainly made of lipids and proteins.
• What is the function of the plasma membrane?


  It controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell.
• What is the function of the cell wall in prokaryotic cells?

  The cell wall supports the cell and prevents it from changing shape.
• What is the polymer that makes up the cell wall of prokaryotic cells?

  The polymer is called murein.
• What is murein?

  Murein is a glycoprotein, which is a protein with a carbohydrate attached.
• What is the function of the flagellum in prokaryotic cells?

  The flagellum is a long hair-like structure that rotates to make the prokaryotic cell move.
• Do all prokaryotic cells have a flagellum?

  No, not all prokaryotic cells have a flagellum.
• Where is the DNA located in prokaryotic cells?

  The DNA floats freely in the cytoplasm.
• How is the DNA in prokaryotic cells structured?

  The DNA is circular and present as one long coiled-up strand.
• What are plasmids?


  Plasmids are small loops of DNA that aren't part of the main circular DNA molecule.
• What do plasmids contain genes for?

  Plasmids contain genes for things like antibiotic resistance.
• Can plasmids be passed between prokaryotes?

  Yes, plasmids can be passed between prokaryotes.
• Are plasmids always present in prokaryotic cells?

  No, plasmids are not always present in prokaryotic cells.
• What is a capsule in some prokaryotes?

  A capsule is made up of secreted slime that helps protect bacteria from immune attacks.
• What are viruses classified as?

  Viruses are classified as acellular entities; they are not cells.
• What do viruses consist of?

  Viruses consist of nucleic acids surrounded by protein.
• How do viruses compare in size to bacteria?

  Viruses are even smaller than bacteria.
• What do viruses lack compared to bacteria?

  Viruses lack a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes.
• What do all viruses do to replicate?

  All viruses invade and reproduce inside the cells of other organisms, known as host cells.
• What type of genetic material do viruses contain?

  Viruses contain either DNA or RNA.
• What is the protein coat around the core of a virus called?

  The protein coat is called the capsid.
• What are attachment proteins in viruses?

  Attachment proteins stick out from the edge of the capsid and allow the virus to bind to a suitable host cell.
• How do prokaryotic cells replicate?

  Prokaryotic cells replicate by binary fission.
• What are the steps of binary fission in prokaryotic cells?

  1. The circular DNA and plasmids replicate.
  2. The cell gets bigger and the DNA loops move to opposite poles.
  3. The cytoplasm begins to divide and new cell walls form.
  4. The cytoplasm divides, producing two daughter cells.
• How do viruses replicate themselves using host cells?

  Viruses use their attachment proteins to bind to complementary receptor proteins on host cells.
• Why do different viruses require different receptor proteins on host cells?

  Different viruses have different attachment proteins, which require specific receptor proteins on host cells.
• How do viruses replicate once inside a host cell?

  Viruses inject their DNA or RNA into the host cell, which then uses its machinery to replicate the viral particles.
• What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell replication?

  Prokaryotic cells replicate by binary fission, while eukaryotic cells use different techniques.
• What is the significance of understanding viruses and binary fission in biology?

  Understanding viruses and binary fission is crucial for studying cell structure and division.
• What is a plasmid?


  A plasmid is a small loop of DNA that is not part of the main circular DNA molecule.
• What is the role of the capsule in bacteria?

  The capsule helps to protect bacteria from attack by cells of the immune system.
• How does the presence of a capsule benefit Vibrio cholerae?

  The capsule may help Vibrio cholerae evade the immune response of the host.
• What is the polymer that makes up the cell wall of Vibrio cholerae?

  The polymer is murein.
• What is the process by which Vibrio cholerae replicates?

  Vibrio cholerae replicates by binary fission.
• What is the significance of understanding the replication process of prokaryotic cells?

  Understanding the replication process is crucial for developing antibiotics and treatments for bacterial infections.
• What is the size of HIV compared to bacteria?

  HIV is about 0.1 µm across, which is smaller than bacteria.
• Why do viruses not undergo cell division?

  Viruses do not undergo cell division because they are not alive.