CHAPTER #4 STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS
CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION:
Be sure you can answer the following questions before taking Test 1. Also, be sure you
understand your own answers (ie don’t just copy the words directly from the book, put the
answer in your own words so you understand it):
OBJECTIVES:
Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells: An Overview:
1. Compare and contrast the chief differentiating characteristics of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells. You
might also want to note the similarities between the two types of cells. A word of caution here, this is
crucial for your understanding of microbiology, so please be sure you understand the difference
between these types of cells.
Prokaryotic Cells: Size, Shape, and Arrangement of Bacteria:
2. Identify and describe the three basic shapes of bacteria – are these the only shapes bacteria can take.
3. Differentiate between monomorphic bacteria and pleomorphic bacteria. Why might pleomorphic
bacteria have survival advantages?
Prokaryotic Cells (External Structures):
4. Describe the composition and function of glycocalyces. Can they affect human health – ie enhance
disease.
5. Which of the following generally provides an organism with more protection, capsules or slime layers –
explain why.
6. Discuss the structure and function of prokaryotic flagella.
7. List and describe the different flagellar arrangements as well as axial filaments.
8. Compare and contrast the structures and functions of fimbriae and pili.
Prokaryotic Cells (Walls):
9. Identify the location and function of the cell wall.
10. Compare and contrast the cell walls of Gram positive and Gram negative prokaryotes in terms of
structure and Gram staining (this is very important to understand).
11. Describe the critical implications of the structure of the Gram negative cell wall.
12. Describe why drugs which target the cell wall of bacteria generally have no effect (or minimal) effects
on Eukaryotic cells. Give an example.
13. How are the cells walls of archaea different than those of (most) bacteria?
Prokaryotic Cell – Internal Structures (Cytoplasmic Membranes):
14. Describe the location of the cytoplasmic membrane. Do all cells have a cytoplasmic membrane –
explain your answer.
15. Draw a diagram identifying and explaining all of the structural components of the cytoplasmic
membrane – be specific.
16. Explain the fluid mosaic model of membrane structure.
17. Describe the functions of the cytoplasmic membrane as they relate to permeability.
18. Compare and contrast the passive and active processes by which materials cross the cytoplasmic
membrane (note, make sure you understand the difference between active and passive processes).
19. Define osmosis, and distinguish among isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic solutions.
Prokaryotic Cell – Internal Structures (Cytoplasm, Nuclear Area, Ribosomes, and Inclusions):
20. Describe the cytoplasm and its basic contents.
21. Describe and identify the functions of the nuclear area and its main components.
22. Identify and describe the functions of ribosomes.
23. Identify and describe the functions of inclusions, note the different types.
Prokaryotic Cell – Internal Structures (Endospores):
24. Define and describe the functions of endospores, sporulation, and endospore germination.
Eukaryotic Cell (External Structures – Cilia and Flagella):
25. Compare and contrast the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic flagella and cilia.
Eukaryotic Cell (Cell Walls, Glycocalyx, Cytoplasmic Membranes):
26. Describe the composition, function, and importance of eukaryotic glycocalyces.
27. Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell walls and cytoplasmic membranes.
28. Contrast exocytosis and endocytosis.
Eukaryotic Cell – Internal Structures (Cytoplasm):
29. Describe the cytoplasm of eukaryotes.
Eukaryotic Cell – Internal Structures (Organelles):
30. Differentiate between nonmembranous and membranous organelles, which type of cell contains
membranous organelles.
31. Describe the structure and function of ribosomes, cytoskeletons, and centrioles.
32. Compare and contrast the ribosomes of prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
33. Discuss the general function of the following membranous organelles: nucleus, ER, Golgi body,
lysosome, peroxisome, vesicle, vacuole, mitochondrion, and chloroplast (those of you who learning this
in ANP 241 will be happy to know that you didn’t learn all this for nothing, it is relevant again, so
hopefully it will be easier the second time around)!