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3.2: Chromosomes

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Describe the structure and function of nucleoid DNA.​



Understanding: Prokaryotes have one chromosome consisting of a circular DNA molecule.
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Describe the structure and function of nucleoid DNA.​



Understanding: Prokaryotes have one chromosome consisting of a circular DNA molecule.
In prokaryotic cells, the main DNA of the cell is collectively called the nucleoid. Unlike in eukaryotic cells, the nucleoid DNA is not enclosed in a membrane. The nucleoid DNA is a double helix that forms a circular loop and is not wrapped around histone proteins (termed "naked.")
List differences in the genetic material of prokaryotes and eukaryotes.



Understanding: Prokaryotes have one chromosome consisting of a circular DNA molecule.
Prokaryotic DNA
-Circular
-One chromosome
-Naked
-Plasmids may be present
-No intron sequences
-Found in nucleoid region
-One origin of DNA replication

Eukaryotic DNA
-Linear
-Multiple chromosomes
-Associated with histones
-No plasmids
-Intron sequences present
-Contained in membrane bound nucleus
-Multiple origins of DNA replication
Define the term "naked" in relation to prokaryotic DNA.​



Understanding: Prokaryotes have one chromosome consisting of a circular DNA molecule.
Naked means that the DNA does not wrap around histone proteins.
List similarities in the genetic material of prokaryotes and eukaryotes.



Understanding: Prokaryotes have one chromosome consisting of a circular DNA molecule.
In both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells:

-The DNA is double helix made of two anti-parallel strands of nucleotides linked by hydrogen bonding between complementary base pairs.

-The replication of DNA is semi-conservative and depends on complementary base pairing.

-DNA is the genetic code for creating proteins through transcription and translation.
Describe the structure and function of plasmid DNA.​



Understanding: Some prokaryotes also have plasmids but eukaryotes do not.
Plasmids are extra pieces of DNA found only in prokaryotic cells. Like nucleoid DNA, plasmid DNA is circular and naked however plasmids are much smaller than the main nucleoid DNA and plasmids replicate independently of the nucleoid DNA. Plasmids are not found in all prokaryotic cells, can be shared between bacteria and often contain genes for antibiotic resistance.