1: Prokaryotic Cells

Question 1

Cells are divided into two types. Based on what? What are the two types?

Answer 1

1. based on structure

2. prokaryotic and eukaryotic

Question 2

Which cell type came first: prokaryotic or eukaryotic?

Answer 2

1. prokaryotic

Question 3

Give an example of a prokaryotic cell.

Answer 3

1. bacteria (bacteria are single celled)

Question 4

Do prokaryotic cells have a complicated structure?

Answer 4

1. no

Question 5

Cells are divided into two types based on their structure. Compare the two structures. (How are they different)

Answer 5

1. eukaryotic cells are divided up by membranes into separate compartments such as the nucleus and mitochondria
2. whereas prokaryotic cells are not compartmentalised

Question 6

Do mitochondria have a nucleus?

Answer 6

1. NO

2. they have a nucleoid region - it is not bound by a membrane therefore it is not a nucleus

Question 7

What can surface area to volume ratio help to explain?

Answer 7

1. why cells divide
2. many other phenomena

kind of a useless card but could be something to consider if they ask you to explain “why cells divide” or ‘some other phenomena’.

Question 8

Draw a prokaryotic cell. (p6)

Answer 8

1. cytoplasm
2. cell wall
3. nucleoid region (region containing naked DNA - not wrapped around histone proteins)
4. plasma membrane
5. pili
6. 70S ribosomes (70S indicates size, prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller than eukaryotic ribosomes)
7. flagellum
8. slime capsule

Question 9

Name the process prokaryotic cells undergo to divide.

Answer 9

1. binary fission (meaning splitting in two)

Question 10

What are the steps of binary fission?

Answer 10

1. bacterial chromosome is replicated so there are two identical copies
2. copies moved to opposite ends of the cell
3. cell wall and plasma membrane are pulled inwards in the middle, pinching the cell and dividing it in two

Question 11

How fast can binary fission happen?

Answer 11

1. some cells can double in volume and divide by binary fission every 30 mins