prokaryotes

• What are the two main types of cells?

  Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
• What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

  Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus
• What is an example of a prokaryotic cell?

  Bacteria
• What are the components of a prokaryotic cell?

  • Nucleoid
  • Ribosomes (70s)
  • Slime capsule
  • Cell wall (peptidoglycan)
  • Plasmids
• What is the nucleoid in a prokaryotic cell?

  A single circular length of DNA
• What type of ribosomes do prokaryotic cells have?

  70s ribosomes
• What is the function of the slime capsule in prokaryotic cells?

  Prevents drying out and protects from white blood cells
• What is the composition of the cell wall in prokaryotic cells?

  Made of peptidoglycan
• What is the role of peptidoglycan in prokaryotic cells?

  Supports and protects the cell
• What are plasmids in prokaryotic cells?

  Double-stranded circular DNA
• Why are plasmids important for bacteria?

  They provide additional genes for survival
• What is the significance of the gram test?

  It differentiates between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
• What characterizes gram-positive bacteria?

  Thick peptidoglycan cell wall
• How do gram-negative bacteria differ from gram-positive bacteria?

  They have an outer membrane and thin cell wall
• Why are gram-negative bacteria more resistant to antibiotics?

  They have more protection from an outer membrane
• What are the differences between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria?

  • Gram-positive:
  • Thick peptidoglycan wall
  • No outer membrane
  • Stains purple
  • Gram-negative:
  • Thin peptidoglycan wall
  • Has outer membrane
  • Does not stain
• What is the purpose of knowing the difference between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria for doctors?

  It helps in choosing appropriate antibiotics