Prokaryotic cells

What are the key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

• the cells are much smaller

• No membrane bound-organelles

• smaller ribosomes

• DNA is not contained within a nucleus

• a cell wall made of peptidoglycan

• they may also contain: plasmids, capsule around the cell, flagella

What is inside a prokaryotic cell with no membrane- bound organelles?

Circular DNA in the cytosine

No nucleus

What is the nucleus like in a prokaryotic cell?

No nucleus

Instead there is a single circular DNA molecule free in the cytoplasm which is not protein bound

What are plasmids?

small loops of DNA which only carry a few genes

Occur in varying numbers

What is the cell wall made of in a prokaryotic cells compared to eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic- made of peptidoglycan, a glycoprotein

Eukaryotic- plants: made of microfibrils of the cellulose polymer, Fungi: made of chitin, a nitrogen-containing polysaccharide

What is a capsule?

A slimy layer made of protein

Prevents bacteria from desiccating (drying out) and protects bacteria against the host’s immune system

What does the flagella do?

Flagella rotates to enable the bacteria to move