Final answer:
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ in several ways, including the presence of organelles and the location of their genetic material. Prokaryotes were the first organisms to evolve and are generally smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells, allowing them to be more efficient in many ways.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparing and contrasting prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, we find several differences and similarities. Both have DNA, plasma membranes, and ribosomes, but prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. In contrast, eukaryotic cells have a defined nucleus, where the DNA is enclosed, along with various organelles such as mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum.
True or False: prokaryotic cells do not have mitochondria. This statement is True. Prokaryotic cells do not possess mitochondria; instead, they carry out energy production processes on their cell membrane.
True or False: prokaryotic cells do not have DNA. This statement is False. Prokaryotes have a single piece of circular DNA located in a region of the cell known as the nucleoid.
True or False: All single-celled organisms are prokaryotes. This statement is False. There are single-celled eukaryotes, such as yeasts and many types of algae.
The first organisms to evolve were prokaryotes, which makes sense due to their simpler structure, as indicated by fossil evidence such as microbial mats dating back about 3.5 billion years.
True or False: For cells, a smaller size is generally more efficient. This statement is True. Smaller sizes in cells generally lead to a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio, making it easier for the cell to exchange substances with its environment.
True or False: DNA is located in the nucleus of prokaryotic cells. This statement is False since prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus. Their DNA is located in the nucleoid region.
True or False: Cilia and flagella stick out of the cell membrane but are not made of cell membrane themselves. This is True as both cilia and flagella are primarily composed of protein structures called microtubules and are extensions, not parts of the cell membrane.
In terms of gene expression, prokaryotic gene expression occurs in the cytoplasm concurrently with transcription due to the absence of a separating nuclear membrane, which differs from eukaryotic cells where transcription occurs in the nucleus and translation occurs in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, Bacteria and Archaea are both considered prokaryotes but have distinct differences in cell membrane composition and cell wall structures.