Pro vs Eu & Endosymbiotic Theory

Which of the following is a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?

• They have a nucleus.

• They lack membrane-bound organelles.

• They have multiple chromosomes.

• They are generally larger than eukaryotic cells.

Answer explanation

Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the absence of membrane-bound organelles, unlike eukaryotic cells which have a nucleus and other organelles. Therefore, the correct choice is that they lack membrane-bound organelles.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which organelle is believed to have originated from the endosymbiotic theory?

• Nucleus

• Mitochondria

• Ribosome

• Golgi apparatus

Answer explanation

The endosymbiotic theory suggests that mitochondria originated from free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells. This theory explains the double membrane and DNA found in mitochondria, distinguishing them from other organelles.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Compare the size of prokaryotic cells to eukaryotic cells.

• Prokaryotic cells are generally larger.

• Eukaryotic cells are generally larger.

• Both are of the same size.

• Size varies greatly within each type.

Answer explanation

Eukaryotic cells are generally larger than prokaryotic cells. Prokaryotes typically range from 0.1 to 5.0 micrometers, while eukaryotic cells usually range from 10 to 100 micrometers, making eukaryotic cells the larger type.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Explain why the presence of ribosomes is not a distinguishing feature between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

• Both cell types have ribosomes for protein synthesis.

• Only eukaryotic cells have ribosomes.

• Only prokaryotic cells have ribosomes.

• Ribosomes are not involved in protein synthesis.

Answer explanation

Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells contain ribosomes, which are essential for protein synthesis. Therefore, the presence of ribosomes cannot be used to distinguish between these two types of cells.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following statements supports the endosymbiotic theory?

• Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own DNA.

• Eukaryotic cells have a cell wall.

• Prokaryotic cells have a nucleus.

• Eukaryotic cells are unicellular.

Answer explanation

The statement "Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own DNA" supports the endosymbiotic theory, which posits that these organelles originated from free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Describe the main difference in genetic material organization between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

• Prokaryotic cells have linear DNA, while eukaryotic cells have circular DNA.

• Prokaryotic cells have circular DNA, while eukaryotic cells have linear DNA.

• Both have linear DNA.

• Both have circular DNA.

Answer explanation

Prokaryotic cells contain circular DNA organized in a single chromosome, while eukaryotic cells have linear DNA organized into multiple chromosomes within a nucleus. This distinction is key in understanding cell structure.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Evaluate the evidence that supports the endosymbiotic theory. Which of the following is NOT evidence for this theory?

• Mitochondria and chloroplasts have double membranes.

• Mitochondria and chloroplasts can replicate independently of the cell.

• Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own ribosomes similar to those of prokaryotes.

• Mitochondria and chloroplasts are involved in protein synthesis.

Answer explanation

The statement 'Mitochondria and chloroplasts are involved in protein synthesis' is not direct evidence for the endosymbiotic theory. The other options provide specific characteristics that support their prokaryotic origins.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Predict what would happen if a eukaryotic cell lost its mitochondria.

• The cell would continue to function normally.

• The cell would lose its ability to produce ATP efficiently.

• The cell would become a prokaryotic cell.

• The cell would gain the ability to photosynthesize.

Answer explanation

Without mitochondria, the cell would lose its primary site for ATP production through aerobic respiration, leading to inefficient energy production and impaired cellular functions.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Analyze the relationship between prokaryotic cells and the origin of eukaryotic cells according to the endosymbiotic theory.

• Eukaryotic cells evolved independently of prokaryotic cells.

• Eukaryotic cells evolved from a symbiotic relationship between different prokaryotic cells.

• Prokaryotic cells evolved from eukaryotic cells.

• Eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells have no evolutionary relationship.

Answer explanation

The endosymbiotic theory posits that eukaryotic cells originated from a symbiotic relationship between different prokaryotic cells, leading to the development of complex cellular structures.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Which of the following best describes the endosymbiotic theory?

• It explains the origin of prokaryotic cells.

• It explains the origin of eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells.

• It explains the origin of viruses.

• It explains the origin of multicellular organisms.

Answer explanation

The endosymbiotic theory explains how eukaryotic cells originated from prokaryotic cells through a symbiotic relationship, where certain prokaryotes became integral parts of eukaryotic cells, leading to their evolution.

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DOK Level 1: Recall