Prokaryote is a unicellular organism that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles. They are simpler in structure compared to eukaryotic cells and include bacteria and archaea.
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Prokaryotes have circular DNA that is located in a region called the nucleoid.
They reproduce asexually through binary fission.
Prokaryotic cells often have cell walls made of peptidoglycan (bacteria) or pseudopeptidoglycan (archaea).
They lack membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts.
Some prokaryotes have specialized structures like flagella or pili for movement and adhesion.
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Related terms
Eukaryote: Organism whose cells contain a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles.
Binary Fission: A method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes where the cell divides into two genetically identical cells.
Peptidoglycan: A polymer consisting of sugars and amino acids that forms a mesh-like layer outside the plasma membrane of most bacteria, forming the cell wall.