All Flashcards
Define prokaryotic cell.
Simple cell lacking membrane-bound organelles; DNA is a circular loop in the cytoplasm.
Define eukaryotic cell.
Complex cell with membrane-bound organelles and linear DNA organized into chromosomes within the nucleus.
What is an endosymbiont?
A cell living inside another cell, where it eventually evolves into an organelle.
Define endosymbiotic theory.
Theory explaining how eukaryotic cells acquired mitochondria and chloroplasts through engulfment of prokaryotic cells.
Define mitochondria.
Organelle in eukaryotic cells responsible for cellular respiration and ATP production; evolved from aerobic bacteria.
Define chloroplast.
Organelle in plant cells responsible for photosynthesis; evolved from photosynthetic bacteria.
What are the steps of the endosymbiotic process?
- Early eukaryote engulfs a prokaryote. 2. Prokaryote becomes an endosymbiont. 3. Symbiotic relationship becomes permanent. 4. Endosymbiont evolves into an organelle.
What are the key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
Prokaryotic: Simple structure, circular DNA, no membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotic: Complex structure, linear DNA, membrane-bound organelles.
Compare the DNA in prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes.
Prokaryotes: Single, circular DNA loop. Eukaryotes: Multiple, linear chromosomes within a nucleus.