Differentiate prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Discuss the differences between gram-positive and gram-negative cell walls. Why is this important information to understand? (USLO 2.2)
Identify bacteria with atypical cell walls and explain how they are different from gram-positive or gram-negative. (USLO 2.3)
Identify structures specific to prokaryotic cells and discuss their importance related to selective toxicity. (USLO 2.4)
Identify the membrane transport mechanisms cells use and whether they need energy or not and if they are unique to any cell type. (USLO 2.5)
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Full Answer Section
Differences Between Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Cell Walls
The Gram stain, developed by Hans Christian Gram, is a crucial differential staining technique in microbiology that divides bacteria into two major groups based on their cell wall composition.- Gram-Positive Cell Walls:
- Structure: They have a thick layer of peptidoglycan (20-80 nm) as their outermost layer.
- Components: This peptidoglycan layer is interspersed with teichoic acids and lipoteichoic acids, which extend through the peptidoglycan and contribute to the cell wall's negative charge, antigenicity, and attachment properties.
- Outer Membrane: Absent.
- Periplasmic Space: Very small or absent.
- Gram Stain Result: Retain the crystal violet-iodine complex and appear purple/blue under a microscope after staining.
- Gram-Negative Cell Walls:
- Structure: They have a thin layer of peptidoglycan (5-10 nm) located in the periplasmic space, sandwiched between two membranes
Sample Answer
Differentiating Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
The fundamental distinction between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells lies in their internal organization.- Prokaryotic Cells: These are simple, generally smaller cells that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Their genetic material (DNA) is typically a single circular chromosome located in a region called the nucleoid within the cytoplasm. Bacteria and archaea are prokaryotes.
- Eukaryotic Cells: These are typically larger, more complex cells that possess a true nucleus (which encloses their genetic material) and various other membrane-bound organelles (like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vacuoles). Animals, plants,