Topic 2 Microbial cells: Structure & Function

Question 1

Two Basic Differences Between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Answer 1

1. Eukaryotes contain numerous compartments (organelles) and prokaryotes generally lack organelles
2. Prokaryotes are generally much smaller in size: equivalent to a mitochondrion

Question 2

Surface area to volume ratio affects

Answer 2

how quickly cells exchange nutrients and waste with their environment

Question 3

small cells can generally

Answer 3

• grow (reproduce) more quickly

- Also means less time/energy to replicate cell

Question 4

The fundamental difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes is the presence of

Answer 4

membrane-bound compartments

Question 5

_________ cells contain multiple membrane-bound compartments,___________ cells generally do not

Answer 5

Eukaryotic Prokaryotic

Question 6

Eukaryotic compartments: Nucleus

Answer 6

Defining characteristic of eukaryotic cells

• Separates genetic material (DNA) from the rest of the cell
• Transcription/translation uncoupled (unlike prokaryotes) – ribosomes outside of the nucleus
• Proteins related to DNA replication, transcription, etcmust be translocated into nucleus

Question 7

Eukaryotic compartments: Mitochondria

Answer 7

Almost universal amongst eukaryotes (a few protists lack mitochondria)

• Vary in number, shape between different eukaryotes/cell types/tissues
• Energy center of the cell – site of respiration, ATP production
• Contain own genomes, ribosomes

Question 8

Eukaryotic compartments: Golgi Complex & Endoplasmic Reticulum

Answer 8

Involved in modifying and sorting proteins (and other molecules) to be translocated to other parts of the cell or secreted from the cell.

• glycosylation
• Proteins & other molecules are packaged into vesicles and trafficked around the cell (and secreted from the cell)

Question 9

In the golgi and ER, One important modification is

Answer 9

glycosylation – many eukaryotic proteins have glycans (sugars) added

Question 10

Cytoskeleton:

Answer 10

Dynamic protein filament network involved in cell shape, transport within cell, cell movement and more

Question 11

Vacuoles :

Answer 11

Membrane bound compartment, often for storing nutrients and/or waste.

Question 12

Lysosomes are

Answer 12

specialized vacuoles found in many animal cells that contain enzymes to break down incoming nutrients

Question 13

Chloroplasts:

Answer 13

Found in phototrophs (like plants and algea) – contain the machinery for photosynthesis

Question 14

Vesicles :

Answer 14

Small, membrane bound compartments used extensively to traffic materials around the cell, into/out of cells and between organelles

Question 15

Cell Wall:

Answer 15

Some eukaryotes have one (plants, fungi), others don’t (animals). Much diversity in structure.

Question 16

Cell structure of a eukaryotic microbe

Saccharomyces cervisiae

Answer 16

Yeast species used for baking and for producing alcohol (most beer, wine, etc)

Relatively small/simple eukaryote, but still contains considerable internal compartmentalization