Biology of Plants
Biology of Plants
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ISBN: 9781429219617
Author: Evert, Ray F./
Publisher: Macmillan Higher Education
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Chapter 13, Problem 1CP
Summary Introduction

To describe: The basic structure of a prokaryotic cell.

Introduction: Prokaryotes are the simplest and microscopically smallest organisms, which are single celled.

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Prokaryotes are single celled simplest organisms that lack a nuclear envelope bound nucleus and other membrane-bound cell organelles. Prokaryotic cells are usually characteristically shaped as spherical, spiral or rod like. Genetic material is usually single circular DNA strand that lies in the cytoplasm region called nucleoid. Usually additional circular small DNA pieces called plasmids too are present. Cytoskeleton is absent, but actin and tubulin homologs are present for cell division. Many prokaryotes contain enzyme-containing microcompartments surrounded by protein shells. Their plasma membranes is made up of lipid bilayer and usually lack sterols.

Prokaryotic cells are usually surrounded by rigid cell walls composed mainly of peptidoglycans. In Gram-negative bacteria, the outer side of the peptidoglycan layer of cell wall is covered with a layer of phospholipids, lipopolysaccharides, and proteins. Several prokaryotes have a slimy layer called capsule or glycocalyx above the cell wall.

Cytoplasm appears granular due to presence of numerous ribosomes and cell inclusions. Food storage compounds glycogen and poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid are present as granules. Several prokaryotes have flagella, pili, or fimbriae. Flagella, if present helps in motility. Prokaryotic flagella lack microtubules.

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Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells (Updated); Author: Amoeba Sisters;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxujitlv8wc;License: Standard youtube license