Prokaryotic Cells

Prokaryote

simple, single-celled organism that lacks a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles

Plasma membrane

controls the movement of materials into and out of the cell

Cell wall

protects and maintains the shape of the cell / provides rigidity and strength / prevents over-expansion when water enters the cell

Pili

attachment / adhesion and used to transfer DNA from one cell to another

Flagella

allow motility / locomotion

Ribosomes

involved in protein synthesis (this process is called translation)

Nucleoid region

Contains naked DNA (genetic material of the cell) and is involved with cell control and reproduction

Plasmid

Circular DNA

Cytoplasm

Fluid that fills the cell; Contains ribosomes, enzymes, and other important molecules

Peptidoglycan

Material used to form the cell wall (in contrast to the cellulose used to form a eukaryotic plant cell wall)

Binary fission

Means by which prokaryotic cells divide - DNA is copied and the cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells

Example of a prokaryote

Bacterium