PROKARYOTIC CELL

Prokaryotes are single-celled organisms that are the earliest and most primitive forms of life on earth. As organized in the Three Domain System, prokaryotes include bacteria andarchaeans. Prokaryotes are able to live and thrive in various types of environments including extreme habitats such as hydrothermal vents, hot springs, swamps, wetlands, and the guts of animals. Prokaryotic Cell Structure

Capsule - Found in some bacterial cells, this additional outer covering protects the cell when it is engulfed by other organisms, assists in retaining moisture, and helps the cell adhere to surfaces and nutrients.

Cell Wall - Outer covering of most cells that protects the bacterial cell and gives it shape.

Cytoplasm - A gel-like substance composed mainly of water that also contains enzymes, salts, cell components, and various organic molecules.

Cell Membrane or Plasma Membrane - Surrounds the cell's cytoplasm and regulates the flow of substances in and out of the cell.

Pili - Hair-like structures on the surface of the cell that attach to other bacterial cells. Shorter pili called fimbriae help bacteria attach to surfaces.

Flagella - Long, whip-like protrusion that aids in cellular locomotion.

Ribosomes - Cell structures responsible for protein production.

Structure Description & Function Plasma Membrane Nucleus Membrane boundary of cell; regulates cell transport Large structure surrounded by double membrane; species cellular proteins Granular body within nucleus; site of r-RNA synthesis Network of internal membranes; site of membrane lipid & protein synthesis Stacks of flattened membrane sacs; modifies, packages & secretes proteins Membranous sacs; contains enzymes to digest materials Membranous sacs; transport and store water & other materials Found in Animals? X X

Found in Plants? X X

Nucleolus Endoplasmic reticulum Golgi Complex

X X

X X

Lysosomes Vacuoles

X X

7 Characteristics of Life Living things have 7 characteristics in common. 1 - Made up of cells Cells are the basic unit of life. Living things are composed of cells. 2- Cellular Organization Living things are able to organize simple things into complex things. Humans can organize cells that are alike into tissues and organs. 3 - The Chemicals of Life Living cells are composed of similar chemicals, water, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. 4 - Energy Use Living things use energy to repair and function -- your brain cells are using energy right now. 5 - Response to Surroundings Living things react to changes in environment. Populations evolve over time. You respond to your surroundings when you are startled by a car horn. 6 - Growth and Development Living things grow from the energy found in organic molecules and develop, becoming more complex over time. 7 - Reproduction Living things duplicate their genetic code and produce offspring.

Whole Cell

Levels of Organization