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 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.
What is the effect of a prokaryote being engulfed by a larger cell and not being digested?
The prokaryote becomes an endosymbiont, potentially evolving into an organelle like a mitochondrion or chloroplast.
What is the effect of endosymbiosis on the host cell?
The host cell gains a selective advantage through increased energy production (ATP) or photosynthesis.
What is the effect of mitochondria and chloroplasts having a double membrane?
The inner membrane is from the original prokaryote, and the outer membrane is from the engulfing host cell, providing evidence for endosymbiosis.