Prokaryotic Cells

organism

any living thing

cell

the basic unit of structure and function in living things

microscopic

too small to be seen with the naked eye

prokaryotic

a cell without a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles

unicellular

an organism composed of only one cell

bacteria

an example of a unicellular, prokaryotic organism

capsule

the sticky, protective layer that surrounds the cell wall in bacteria

cell wall

the strong, rigid outer layer of prokaryotic cells

cell membrane

the layer of prokaryotic cells that regulates what enters and exits the cell

flagellum

a long, tail-like structure that helps a prokaryotic cell move

pilus

a short, hair-like structure that helps a prokaryotic cell stick to surfaces

cytoplasm

the jelly-like substance that fills most cells

ribosome

the place where proteins are made inside most cells

DNA

the genetic material found in all cells

plasmid

a small, circular piece of DNA found in prokaryotic cells like bacteria