Bacterial Classification and Structure Study Questions
Study Questions List 8 major structural differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes and/or draw a picture of each cell type that shows these differences (don’t forget
Study Questions List 8 major structural differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes and/or draw a picture of each cell type that shows these differences (don’t forget
Capsule Gelatinous layer surrounding the bacterial cell; gives many bacterial colonies a mucoid appearance. Composed of polysaccharide (except in Bacillus anthracis) which varies among bacteria
1. Cytoplasmic (Cell) Membrane Located just inside the peptidoglycan layer. Phospholipid bilayer similar to eukaryotic membranes, but does not contain sterols (except Mycoplasma species). Functions:
like a stiff “canvas sack” around the bacterial cell. maintains cell structure. is a permeability barrier to large molecules (like lysozyme) and hydrophobic molecules; also
Structure Chemical Composition Function Essential Components Cell Wall Peptidoglycan Outer membrane of Gram- negative bacteria Surface fibers of
Name Reason Alternative Microscopic Approach Mycobacteria (Ex. M. tuberculosis) Too much lipid in cell wall so dye cannot penetrate Acid-fast stain Treponema pallidum Too thin
It is difficult to classify all bacteria into clear-cut categories. Various classification methods are used, depending in part, on the purpose. Nomenclature Bacteria are
Property Prokaryotic Bacterial Cells Eukaryotic Human Cells DNA within a nuclear membrane No Yes Number of chromosomes 1 More than 1 Mechanism of Replication
Learning Objectives: You should be able to: describe the major differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and explain why it is important to know the