Diagram of Prokaryotic Cell – Structure and Characteristics

The diagram of prokaryotic cells helps us to understand the structure of simple prokaryotic organisms and the mechanism by which they interact with the environment. The diagram of prokaryotic cells shows a lack of a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. These cells are considered to be primitive in the evolutionary timeline of the Earth. In this article, we will study the diagram of a prokaryotic cell and its structure in detail.

The diagram of a prokaryotic cell with labeled parts is given below:

Diagram of a Prokaryotic Cell

What are Prokaryotic Cells?

Definition: A prokaryotic cell is a type of cell that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, commonly found in bacteria and archaea.

The term prokaryotic is derived from the Greek words “pro,” meaning before, and “karyon,” meaning nucleus, indicating cells that lack a true nucleus. Prokaryotic cells are simple cells and lack organelles like mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, etc. They include organisms like bacteria, archaea, PPLOs etc. They usually have rigid cell walls and structures like pili and fimbriae. Since they lack a true nucleus, their genetic material lies concentrated at a particular portion of the cytoplasm forming the nucleoid region.

Structure of Prokaryotic Cells

The diagram of prokaryotic cells shows that it has a simple structure and lack complex organelles like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, etc. The prokaryotic cells example are archae and bacteria. The structure of a prokaryotic cell is discussed below:

• Size of prokaryotic cells can vary betwween 0.1 -5.0 µm.
• Some prokaryotic cells may have a cell envelope that provides them with protection and rigidity.
• This cell envelope can exhibit 3 layers: Glycocalyx, Cell wall, and Plasma membrane.
• Glycocalyx is usually seen in bacteria and acts a slimy envelop that protects the cell from chemical dessication, phagocytes, and adhesion.
• Cell wall is a common structure seen in almost all prokaryotic cell but varies in composition among different organisms. For example a bacterial cell wall is made up of peptidoglycan whereas archaeal cell walls are made up of peudopeptidoglyan and other molecules in combination.
• Plasma membrane is present in all prokaryotic cell and is a trasparent semipermeable membrane composed of a lipid bilayer. It acts as a semipermeable barrier between the cytoplasm and extracellular medium. The plasma membrane also contains receptors that help the cells to sense the environment and aid exchange of material.
• Cytoplasm is colourless, translucent, and gel like matrix enclosed by the cell envelope. Cytoplasm acts as a storage of food and a ground material that contains other cellular components like ribozomes, nucleoid, inclusions, etc.
• Nucleoid is a the region where the prokaryotic DNA remains concentrated but is not bound by the nuclear membrane.
• Flagella can be present in many prokaryotic cells and act as an organ of mobility.
• Mesosomes are typical components seen in all prokaryotic cells. These are present in the form of vessicles, tubules, or lamelle. These structure have multiple functions and hep in DNA replication, secretion, and increasing surface area for respiratory function.
• Pili may be present in bacterial cells. These are hair like outgrowth and help in attatchment with other bacterial cell.

Characteristics of Prokaryotic Cells

Some typical characteristics of Prokaryotic Cells are given below:

• Prokaryotic cells do not have a true nucleus.
• They also lack membrane bound organelles like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus , etc.
• Their plasma membrane functions as the respiratory membrane and contains the membrane bound respiratory enzymes like Mitochondrial membranes in eukaryotic cells.
• Their chromosomes do not have histone protein.
• They typically have single chromosome.
• They have a cell wall made up of carbohydrates and other molecules.
• They reproduce asexually.

Conclusion – Diagram of Prokaryotic cell

Prokaryotic cells are simple cells lacking a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. The diagram of prokaryotic cell show that it contains genetic material in a nucleoid region, have a cell wall, and may possess flagella or pili for movement and attachment. Prokaryotes are smaller than eukaryotic cells and include bacteria and archaea. Understanding the diagram of prokaryotic cell is important for studying its studying cellular structure and functions which offers insights into the fundamentals of biology.

FAQs on Diagram of Prokaryotic Cells

What is the Structure of Prokaryotic Cells?

Prokaryotic cells have a simple structure with a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleoid containing the genetic material. They lack membrane-bound organelles but may have structures like flagella and pili for movement and attachment.

What are the Three Main Types of Prokaryotic Cells?

Three main types of prokaryotic cells are archaea, bacteria, and PPLOs(Pleuroplasma like Organisms).

What is a Prokaryote?

A prokaryote is a primitive organism which lacks a nucleus and membrane bound organelles. Example, bacteria, archaea, etc.

What are Prokaryotic Cell for Class 9?

A cell that lacks a true nucleus and other membrane bound organism is a prokaryotic cell.

What are the Functions of Prokaryotic Cells?

Prokaryotic cells play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, symbiotic relationships, decomposition, and various ecological processes. They can also interact with other organisms, including humans, as both commensals and pathogens, influencing health and disease.

Where can I Find the Diagram of Prokaryotic Cell Class 11?

You can find a well-labeled diagram of prokaryotic cell at the top of the article.