adaptations of cells, prokaryotic cells and viruses

• What are some characteristics of prokaryotic cells?

  • Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles, their DNA is in a single circular loop, they have smaller ribosomes (70s), and they possess structures like a capsule, flagellum, and cell wall made of murein.
• What is the function of the capsule in prokaryotic cells?

  • The capsule prevents desiccation, protects the cell from antibiotics and viruses.
• How do prokaryotes reproduce through binary fission?

  In binary fission, prokaryotic cells replicate their DNA and plasmids, elongate, move DNA to opposite poles, divide cytoplasm, and form new cell walls, resulting in the production of two daughter cells with identical DNA loops.
• What distinguishes fungi from plant cells?

  • Fungi are eukaryotic cells like plant cells but lack chloroplasts and have cell walls made of chitin instead of cellulose.
• What are viruses, and what are their characteristics?

  • Viruses are acellular, non-living particles that are neither prokaryotic nor eukaryotic. They consist of genetic material (RNA or DNA) protected by a protein coat called the capsid, sometimes enclosed in a lipid envelope. They are significantly smaller than bacteria and have attachment proteins/antigens to recognise hosts.
• How do viruses replicate?

  • Virus replication begins with attachment to a host cell, injection of genetic material into the cell, reproduction of the genetic material by the host cell, and creation of new viral proteins. Finally, the virus leaves the cell, often using some of the host cell's membrane to form itself.