2.2 prokaryotic cell and virus structure

acellular

not consisting of cells

attachment proteins

protein found in the external surface of a cell or virus that enables it to attach to other structures

bacteria

type of prokaryotic cell

capsid

the protein shell of a virus

capsule

slime layer composed of carbohydrate that lies outside the cell wall of some prokaryotic cells and protects the cell from immune response and desiccation

flagella

long structure composed of protein found on sperm and some prokaryotic cells that enables mobility

murein (peptidoglycan)

a polymer consisting of sugars and amino acids that forms bacteria cell walls

plasmid

small circular piece of DFA found in prokaryotic cells, chloroplasts and mitochondria.

prokaryotic cell

a cell of an organism belonging to the kingdom Prokaryotae that is characterised by lacking a nucleus and membrance-bound organelles eg. bacteria

virus

small, acellular infectious structure that replicates inside living cells