Prokaryotic cells

Cell wall

A physical barrier made up of murein that excludes certain substances, protects against mechanical damage and osmotic lysis.

Capsule

Protects bacterium from other cells and helps groups of bacteria to stick together for further protection

Cell surface membrane

Acts as a differentially permeable layer, which controls the entry and exit of chemicals

Circular DNA

Posesses the genetic information for the replication of bacterial cells

Plasmids

Posesses genes that may aid the survival of bacteria in adverse conditions, e.g. produces enzymes that break down antibiotics

Differences from eukaryotic cells

-Cytoplasm lacks membrane-bound organelles

-Smaller ribosomes

-No nucleus

-A cell wall that contains murein, a glycoprotein

-One or more plasmids

-A capsule surrounding the cell

-One or more flagella