Prokaryotic Cells

Peptidoglycan

Material used to form the cell wall (in contrast to the cellulose used to form a eukaryotic plant cell wall)

Binary fission

Means by which prokaryotic cells divide - DNA is copied and the cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells

Flagella

allow motility / locomotion

Pili

attachment / adhesion and used to transfer DNA from one cell to another

Cell wall

protects and maintains the shape of the cell / provides rigidity and strength / prevents over-expansion when water enters the cell

Prokaryote

simple, single-celled organism that lacks a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles

Example of a prokaryote

Bacterium

Plasmid

Circular DNA

Nucleoid region

Contains naked DNA (genetic material of the cell) and is involved with cell control and reproduction

Cytoplasm

Fluid that fills the cell; Contains ribosomes, enzymes, and other important molecules

Plasma membrane

controls the movement of materials into and out of the cell

Ribosomes

involved in protein synthesis (this process is called translation)