Flashcards
2.2.2 Structure names and functions of ultrastructure of Escherichia coli (E. coli) as an example of a prokaryote
Cards in this deck (11)
- 1Cell Wall:A rigid outer layer made of peptidoglycan that maintains shape and protects the cell from damage or bursting if internal pressure is high
- 2Cell Membrane:Semi-permeable barrier that controls the entry and exit of substances
- 3CytoplasmFluid component which contains the enzymes needed for all metabolic reactions
- 4NucleoidRegion of the cytoplasm which contains the genophore (the prokaryotic DNA)
- 5Plasmid:Additional DNA molecule that can exist and replicate independently of the genophore - it can be transmitted between bacterial species
- 6RibosomeComplexes of RNA and protein that are responsible for polypeptide synthesis (prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller than eukaryotes - 70S)
- 7Slime CapsuleA thick polysaccharide layer used for protection against dessication (drying out) and phagocytosis
- 8Flagella (singular flagellum)Long, slender projection containing a motor protein which spins the flagella like a propellor, enabling movement
- 9Pili (singular pilus)Hair-like extensions found on bacteria which can serve one of two roles
- 10Attachment pili:Shorter in length, they allow bacteria to adhere to one another or to available surfaces.
- 11Sex pili:Longer in length, they allow for the exchange of genetic material (plasmids) via a process called bacterial conjugation