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Quizzes > Science > Biology

Can You Label Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells Like a Pro?

Ready to master labeling eukaryotic cells and a prokaryotic cell? Take the challenge now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells on dark blue background for cell structure labeling quiz

This quiz helps you practice labeling prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, part by part. Name each structure on diagrams to spot gaps before a test, then build on it with plant and animal cell practice and a quick prokaryote vs eukaryote overview .

What structure surrounds a prokaryotic cell and gives it shape?
Peptidoglycan cell wall
Chitin cell wall
Nuclear membrane
Phospholipid bilayer
Prokaryotic cells have a rigid cell wall composed mainly of peptidoglycan, which provides structural support and shape. This layer protects against osmotic stress in bacterial cells. Unlike eukaryotes, they lack a nuclear envelope but retain this strong exterior.
Which organelle is found in eukaryotes but not in prokaryotes?
Mitochondrion
Cytoplasm
Ribosome
Cell membrane
Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles present in eukaryotic cells that generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. Prokaryotic cells lack these structures and perform energy conversion on the plasma membrane. Ribosomes and cytoplasm are common to both cell types.
What is the primary form of genetic material in prokaryotes?
Multiple chromosomes enclosed in a nucleus
Circular DNA molecule
Linear DNA strands
RNA genome
Prokaryotic cells typically carry their genome as a single circular DNA molecule located in the nucleoid region. They lack a membrane-bound nucleus, so the DNA remains in the cytoplasmic area. Linear DNA and membranes around genetic material are characteristics of eukaryotes.
Which structure in eukaryotic cells controls passage into and out of the nucleus?
Endoplasmic reticulum
Cytoskeleton
Nuclear envelope
Cell membrane
The nuclear envelope consists of a double membrane perforated by nuclear pores that regulate molecular traffic between nucleus and cytoplasm. It maintains the distinct nuclear environment needed for DNA replication and transcription. The ER is contiguous with the outer membrane but does not perform pore functions.
Which type of ribosome is characteristic of prokaryotic cells?
40S ribosome
70S ribosome
60S ribosome
80S ribosome
Prokaryotic ribosomes are classified as 70S, composed of a 50S large subunit and a 30S small subunit. Eukaryotic ribosomes are larger (80S) with 60S and 40S subunits. The Svedberg unit reflects sedimentation rate during centrifugation, distinguishing cell types.
What component is common to both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell membranes?
Phospholipid bilayer
Steroid cholesterol
Cellulose
Peptidoglycan
All cellular life forms use a phospholipid bilayer as the fundamental framework of their plasma membrane, providing a barrier and fluid matrix for membrane proteins. Peptidoglycan is specific to bacterial cell walls, and cholesterol is found mainly in animal cell membranes. Cellulose is a polysaccharide in plant cell walls.
Which organelle in eukaryotic cells contains its own DNA and is involved in energy production?
Mitochondrion
Golgi apparatus
Endoplasmic reticulum
Lysosome
Mitochondria have their own circular DNA and ribosomes, reflecting their evolutionary origin from alpha-proteobacteria. They generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. The Golgi, lysosomes, and ER do not contain independent genomes.
In prokaryotes, where is the nucleoid region found?
Within a membrane-bound organelle
Inside a double membrane structure
External to the plasma membrane
In the cytoplasm without a membrane
The nucleoid is an irregularly shaped region in prokaryotic cells where the chromosomal DNA is localized without a surrounding membrane. It differs from the eukaryotic nucleus by lacking a nuclear envelope. This allows direct contact of DNA with cytoplasmic factors.
Which structure functions primarily in protein synthesis and has attached ribosomes?
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
Lysosome
Golgi apparatus
Rough endoplasmic reticulum
The rough ER has ribosomes on its cytosolic surface that translate proteins destined for secretion or membrane insertion. The smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis. Golgi modifies and packages proteins, while lysosomes degrade biomolecules.
What is the primary function of lysosomes in eukaryotic cells?
Protein synthesis
Break down macromolecules and waste
Lipid storage
Energy production
Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that digest proteins, lipids, and other macromolecules, playing a key role in cellular waste disposal and autophagy. They maintain an acidic pH optimal for these enzymes. Eukaryotic ribosomes, mitochondria, and lipid droplets perform different functions.
In bacterial cells, what is the role of plasmids?
Carry extra-chromosomal genes like antibiotic resistance
Form the cell wall structure
Facilitate protein synthesis
Store energy as granules
Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules in bacteria that replicate independently of chromosomal DNA and often carry genes for antibiotic resistance or metabolism. They can be transferred between cells via conjugation. They are not involved in cell wall formation or energy storage.
What key difference distinguishes Gram-positive from Gram-negative bacterial cell walls?
Thickness of the peptidoglycan layer
Shape of the nucleoid
Presence of a nuclear envelope
Type of ribosomes
Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer that retains the crystal violet stain, while Gram-negative bacteria have a thin layer and an outer membrane, preventing stain retention. Neither has a nuclear envelope. Ribosome types and nucleoid shape are similar in both.
Which organelle in eukaryotic cells is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins?
Golgi apparatus
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
Ribosome
Nucleolus
The Golgi apparatus consists of flattened cisternae that process proteins from the ER, adding carbohydrates and sorting them into vesicles for secretion or delivery. Ribosomes synthesize proteins, and the smooth ER synthesizes lipids. The nucleolus assembles ribosomal subunits.
What is the primary role of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells?
Protein secretion
Lipid digestion
Maintain cell shape and facilitate movement
DNA replication
The cytoskeleton, composed of microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments, supports cell architecture, enables intracellular transport, and drives cell motility. It does not directly mediate DNA replication or lipid digestion. Protein secretion relies on the ER and Golgi.
Which structure helps prokaryotic cells adhere to surfaces and form biofilms?
Pili
Endospore
Capsule
Flagella
Pili (fimbriae) are hair-like appendages on bacterial surfaces that enable attachment to host tissues and surfaces, facilitating biofilm development. Flagella are for motility, the capsule protects against desiccation and phagocytosis, and endospores resist harsh conditions.
What major difference distinguishes rough ER from smooth ER?
Double-membrane structure
Presence of ribosomes on its surface
Location inside the nucleus
Function in DNA replication
Rough ER has ribosomes attached to its cytosolic face and is involved in protein synthesis and folding. Smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is specialized for lipid synthesis and detoxification. Neither form has a double-membrane or nuclear location.
Which organelle in eukaryotic cells plays a key role in lipid biosynthesis and calcium storage?
Peroxisome
Rough endoplasmic reticulum
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
Golgi apparatus
The smooth ER is the site of phospholipid, steroid, and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as storage of calcium ions important for signaling. The rough ER synthesizes proteins. The Golgi modifies and sorts proteins, and peroxisomes oxidize fatty acids.
What structure do some prokaryotes use for motility that is structurally distinct from eukaryotic flagella?
Bacterial flagellum powered by a rotary motor
Cilia composed of microtubules
Undulating membrane
Pseudopodia extended by actin polymerization
Bacterial flagella are helical filaments rotated by a basal motor in the membrane, enabling bacterial locomotion. Eukaryotic cilia and flagella have a 9+2 microtubule arrangement and whip-like motion. Pseudopodia are extensions in amoeboid cells.
Which eukaryotic organelle is primarily responsible for detoxifying harmful substances, especially in liver cells?
Golgi apparatus
Ribosome
Peroxisome
Lysosome
Peroxisomes contain enzymes like catalase that neutralize reactive oxygen species and break down toxins and fatty acids. They are abundant in hepatocytes for detoxification. Lysosomes digest macromolecules, and the Golgi sorts proteins. Ribosomes synthesize proteins.
In prokaryotic cells, where does the electron transport chain occur?
Plasma membrane
Thylakoid membrane
Mitochondrial inner membrane
Cytoplasm
Prokaryotes lack mitochondria, so their electron transport chain is embedded in the plasma membrane. This enables generation of a proton gradient for ATP synthesis. The mitochondrial inner membrane is specific to eukaryotes, and thylakoids are in chloroplasts.
Which protein fiber of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton is composed of tubulin?
Peptidoglycan fibers
Intermediate filaments
Microfilaments
Microtubules
Microtubules are hollow tubes built from ?- and ?-tubulin dimers, providing tracks for organelle movement and forming mitotic spindles. Microfilaments are actin polymers, and intermediate filaments are diverse proteins like keratin. Peptidoglycan is a bacterial cell wall polymer.
Where are 80S ribosomes primarily located in eukaryotic cells?
Inside the Golgi apparatus
Cytosol and on rough ER
In the nucleolus
Within mitochondria
Eukaryotic 80S ribosomes are found free in the cytosol for cytoplasmic protein synthesis and bound to the rough ER for secreted and membrane proteins. Mitochondria and chloroplasts have 70S ribosomes, and ribosomes are not located inside the Golgi or nucleolus (which assembles ribosomal subunits).
What term describes bacteria that require oxygen to grow?
Facultative anaerobes
Obligate aerobes
Microaerophiles
Obligate anaerobes
Obligate aerobes need oxygen for cellular respiration and cannot grow in its absence. Facultative anaerobes can use oxygen but also survive without it. Microaerophiles require reduced oxygen levels, and obligate anaerobes are killed by oxygen.
Which organelle contains hydrolytic enzymes and participates in autophagy in eukaryotic cells?
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
Lysosome
Golgi apparatus
Ribosome
Lysosomes are acidic organelles containing hydrolytic enzymes that degrade damaged organelles and macromolecules during autophagy. The smooth ER synthesizes lipids, the Golgi processes proteins, and ribosomes are sites of protein synthesis.
Which subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase is responsible for promoter recognition?
Beta subunit
Alpha subunit
Sigma factor
Omega subunit
The sigma factor associates with the core RNA polymerase in bacteria and directs it to specific promoter sequences to initiate transcription. After initiation, sigma often dissociates from the polymerase. The alpha, beta, and omega subunits form the core enzyme but do not recognize promoters.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Prokaryotic Cell Structures -

    Use the quiz to accurately label key components such as the cell wall, plasma membrane, nucleoid region, and ribosomes in prokaryotic cells.

  2. Label Eukaryotic Cell Organelles -

    Learn to label major eukaryotic organelles including the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus with confidence.

  3. Differentiate Cell Types -

    Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic characteristics by comparing their structural complexity and functional components.

  4. Apply Answer Key Insights -

    Utilize the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells answer key to verify your responses and reinforce correct labeling techniques.

  5. Analyze Practice Problems -

    Engage with prokaryote practice problems to deepen your understanding and prepare for more advanced cell biology challenges.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Size & Structure Differences -

    Prokaryotic cells are generally 0.1 - 5 µm and lack a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells measure 10 - 100 µm with compartmentalized organelles (OpenStax). When labeling a prokaryotic cell, this size contrast helps quickly classify your diagram. Reflect on these dimensions when tackling prokaryote practice problems or the eukaryotic cell labeling quiz.

  2. Cell Envelope & Appendages -

    Prokaryotes feature a peptidoglycan-rich cell wall, plasma membrane, and optional structures like flagella or pili (Khan Academy). Recognizing these when labeling a prokaryotic cell ensures accuracy, especially on a prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells answer key review. Eukaryotic cells, in contrast, may have cellulose or chitin walls in plants and fungi, plus no pili.

  3. Genetic Material Organization -

    Prokaryotic DNA resides in a nucleoid region as a single circular chromosome, often with plasmids for antibiotic resistance (NCBI). Eukaryotic DNA is linear, packaged in histone-bound chromosomes within a nucleus, a detail central to effective labeling eukaryotic cells diagrams. Distinguishing nucleoid vs. nucleus keeps your answers aligned with the quiz's answer key.

  4. Membrane-Bound Organelles -

    Eukaryotic cells house organelles like mitochondria, ER, Golgi, and chloroplasts (Nature Education). Understanding each organelle's function and position is crucial for the eukaryotic cell labeling quiz and creates an efficient study path for your labeling eukaryotic cells tasks. Prokaryotes lack these, making their profiles simpler for prokaryote practice problems.

  5. Mnemonic Tools for Organelles -

    Use "My Crazy Rat Grows Lettuce" (Mitochondria, Chloroplasts, Rough ER, Golgi, Lysosome) to memorize eukaryotic cell components quickly. This handy phrase speeds up your labeling of eukaryotic cells and cements answers for the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells answer key. For prokaryotes, remember "PSSP" (Plasma membrane, S-layer, Slime capsule, Pili) to ace prokaryote practice problems.

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