What is Prokaryotic cells ?
Prokaryotic cells are a type of cell that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. They are typically smaller and simpler in structure than eukaryotic cells, which are cells that have a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Prokaryotic cells are found in a variety of organisms, including bacteria and archaea.
Prokaryotic cells have a number of structural and functional features that distinguish them from eukaryotic cells. For example, prokaryotic cells are typically smaller in size, with a diameter of about 0.1-10 micrometers. They also lack a true nucleus, with their DNA instead being located in a region called the nucleoid. Prokaryotic cells also have a cell wall that helps to provide structural support and protection.
Prokaryotic cells are important in many different biological processes, including the nitrogen cycle, the carbon cycle, and the sulfur cycle. They are also important in many industrial and medical applications, including the production of antibiotics and the use of genetically modified bacteria for bioremediation.
Organelle not Found in Prokaryotic cells
Prokaryotic cells are much simpler in structure than eukaryotic cells and do not have many of the organelles found in eukaryotic cells. Some of the organelles that are not found in prokaryotic cells include:
- Nucleus: Prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus, with their DNA instead being located in a region called the nucleoid.
- Endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus: These organelles are not found in prokaryotic cells, as they are involved in the synthesis and modification of proteins, which are processes that are not necessary for prokaryotes.
- Mitochondria: Prokaryotic cells do not have mitochondria, which are organelles that are involved in the production of energy. Instead, prokaryotes produce energy through processes such as glycolysis and fermentation.
- Lysosomes: These organelles, which contain hydrolytic enzymes that are used to break down waste products and foreign substances, are not found in prokaryotic cells.
- Chloroplasts: Prokaryotic cells do not contain chloroplasts, which are organelles that are involved in photosynthesis in plants and some algae.
Overall, prokaryotic cells are much simpler in structure than eukaryotic cells and lack many of the organelles found in eukaryotes.