prokaryotic cells

smaller than eukaryotes, commonly refers to bacteria, has no nucleus or membrane bound organelles

cell wall

structure: outside cell membrane, fully permeable, has peptidoglycan

function: maintain characteristic shape of cell, prevents cell from bursting

cell membrane

structure: phospholipid bilayer

function: sep cell from environment, permeability barrier, protein anchor

cytoplasm

structure: located in plasma membrane, [80% water, proteins, carbs, lipids, inorganic ions, low mw compounds], thick aqueous semi transparent

function: to contain organelles such as nucleoid, ribosomes and plasmid

nucleoid

structure: REGION in cytoplasm consisting of mainly DNA molecules, RNA and some associated proteins, not membrane bound

function: codes for genetic info of bacteria

plasmid

structure: small circular double stranded DNA molecules that can exist independently outside of host chromosome
can replicate itself independently w/o relying on host cell and are stably inherited following cell division, size range from 2kb to 200kb

function:carry a few genes that are not essential to the bacterial host - but confers bacterial host survival advantage with antibiotic resistance gene

pilli

structure: hair-like hollow projections on bacteria cell surfaces longer than fimbriae, made of protein

function: transfer genetic materials from donor bacterial cells to recipient cells - conjugation

fimbriae

structure: short protrusions on the surface of bacteria

function: helps bacteria adhere to host tissue, not involved in movement

ribosomes

structure:
numerous in cytoplasm
2 subunits (30s and 50s)
consists of protein and ribosomal RNA
70s in prokaryotes and 80s in eukaryotes

function: carry out protein synthesis

glycocalyx

structure: mainly polysaccharide - sticky sugar layer surrounding cell

function: attach to surfaces, protect from harsh environmental conditions, protect from engulfment by white blood cells, bacteria multiply and adhere to each other to
form biofilm

flagella

structure: made of protein

functions: movement in response to stimuli

endospore

structure: formed by bacteria under harsh environmental conditions, composed of thick impermeable spore coat and dehydrated center, resistant to numerous environmental conditions (heat, radiation, chemicals, desiccation)

functions: germination occurs when endospore is placed in favourable environment