AP Biology Questions on Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

🧬 Quick Study Guide

• 🔬 Cell Types: Prokaryotic cells (bacteria and archaea) lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells (protists, fungi, plants, and animals) possess a nucleus and complex organelles.
• 🦠 Prokaryotic Cell Structure:
  • 🧱 Cell Wall: Provides structure and protection.
  • 🧬 Nucleoid: Region containing the single, circular DNA chromosome.
  • 🦠 Ribosomes: Synthesize proteins.
  • 🌀 Plasmids: Small, circular DNA molecules that carry extra genes.
• 🌳 Eukaryotic Cell Structure:
  • 🧠 Nucleus: Contains the cell's DNA organized into chromosomes.
  • ⚙️ Organelles: Membrane-bound structures with specific functions (e.g., mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus).
  • 🌱 Cytoskeleton: Network of protein fibers that provides structural support and facilitates movement.
• ⚡ Key Differences:
  • 🎯 Size: Eukaryotic cells are generally larger (10-100 $\mu m$) than prokaryotic cells (0.1-5 $\mu m$).
  • 🧫 Complexity: Eukaryotic cells are more complex in terms of structure and organization.
  • 🔄 Reproduction: Prokaryotes reproduce through binary fission, while eukaryotes undergo mitosis and meiosis.

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following structures is NOT found in prokaryotic cells?
   1. Cell Wall
   2. Plasma Membrane
   3. Nucleus
   4. Ribosomes
2. Which of the following organelles is responsible for energy production in eukaryotic cells?
   1. Endoplasmic Reticulum
   2. Golgi Apparatus
   3. Mitochondrion
   4. Lysosome
3. Which of the following is a key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA?
   1. Prokaryotic DNA is linear, while eukaryotic DNA is circular.
   2. Prokaryotic DNA is located in the nucleus, while eukaryotic DNA is in the cytoplasm.
   3. Prokaryotic DNA is circular and lacks histones, while eukaryotic DNA is linear and associated with histones.
   4. Prokaryotic DNA contains introns, while eukaryotic DNA does not.
4. What is the primary function of the cell wall in prokaryotic cells?
   1. Protein synthesis
   2. Energy production
   3. Providing structural support and protection
   4. DNA replication
5. Which of the following processes is unique to eukaryotic cells?
   1. Binary fission
   2. Translation
   3. Transcription
   4. Endocytosis
6. Which structure is responsible for modifying and packaging proteins in eukaryotic cells?
   1. Endoplasmic Reticulum
   2. Golgi Apparatus
   3. Lysosome
   4. Ribosome
7. Which of the following organisms are composed of prokaryotic cells?
   1. Plants
   2. Fungi
   3. Bacteria
   4. Animals