parts and functions of the bacterial cell

nucleoid

store, organize, and regulate the cell’s genetic material to control all cellular activities and reproduction

plasmid

replicates individually from the main chromosome and carries extra genes that give the bacterium special survival advantages

ribosomes

synthesize proteins by translating genetic instructions from mrna into functional polypeptide chains

cell wall

provide structural strength and prevent the cell from bursting due to high internal water pressure

plasma/cell membrane

barrier that controls what moves in and out of the cell while holding the cell’s contents together

capsule

protect the cell from the host’s immune system and harsh environmental conditions

flagellum

provide mobility

pili

help cell attach to surfaces and transfer genetic material to other bacteria

endotoxins

forms a stable outer membrane barrier that shields gram