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Flip to reveal answersDefine a prokaryotic cell.
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All 12 Flashcards — Prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells
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Question
Define a prokaryotic cell.
Answer
A cell with **no nucleus** and **no membrane-bound organelles**; its DNA lies free in the cytoplasm. All **bacteria** are prokaryotic.
Question
Define a eukaryotic cell.
Answer
A cell with a **true (membrane-bound) nucleus** holding the DNA, plus other membrane-bound organelles. **Animal, plant and fungal** cells are eukaryotic.
Question
What is the single biggest difference between the two cell types?
Answer
Prokaryotes have **no nucleus**; eukaryotes have a **true nucleus** enclosing the DNA.
Question
How is DNA organised in a prokaryotic cell?
Answer
As **one circular loop**, lying **naked** (no histones) in the cytoplasm, often with small extra rings (**plasmids**).
Question
How is DNA organised in a eukaryotic cell?
Answer
As **linear chromosomes** wound around **histones**, sealed inside the **nucleus**.
Question
What is a histone?
Answer
A **protein** that eukaryotic DNA wraps around to package its long chromosomes. Prokaryotic DNA has **no histones**.
Question
What is a plasmid?
Answer
A **small extra ring of DNA** in many prokaryotes, separate from the main DNA loop.
Question
Name four structures BOTH cell types share.
Answer
**Plasma membrane**, **cytoplasm**, **DNA** and **ribosomes**.
Question
State the function of a flagellum in a prokaryote.
Answer
It rotates like a propeller to **move the cell** through liquid.
Question
State the function of ribosomes.
Answer
They are the site of **protein synthesis** (building proteins from amino acids).
Question
Compare prokaryote and eukaryote ribosome size.
Answer
Prokaryote ribosomes are **smaller (70S)**; eukaryote ribosomes are **larger (80S)**.
Question
Which cell type is usually larger?
Answer
**Eukaryotic** (about 10–100 µm) vs **prokaryotic** (about 1–5 µm).
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Topic 1.4 hub
Cell structure
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