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Prokaryotic Cell Architecture definitions

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  • Prokaryote
    Single-celled organism lacking a nucleus, found in Archaea and Bacteria, with diverse shapes, sizes, and metabolic abilities.
  • Archaea
    Domain of prokaryotes often thriving in extreme environments, distinct from bacteria in genetics and cell structure.
  • Bacteria
    Domain of prokaryotes with vast diversity, commonly found in various habitats, and includes many familiar species.
  • Biofilm
    Community of prokaryotic cells adhering to surfaces and each other, often forming protective layers like dental plaque.
  • Metagenome
    Total genetic material recovered from an environmental sample, revealing the diversity of uncultured prokaryotic species.
  • Plasma Membrane
    Selective barrier surrounding the cell, controlling the movement of substances in and out of prokaryotic cells.
  • Cell Wall
    Rigid outer layer providing structural support and shape to most prokaryotic cells, located outside the plasma membrane.
  • Cytoskeleton
    Network of primitive protein filaments in prokaryotes, maintaining cell shape and aiding in cellular processes.
  • Flagellum
    Long, whip-like appendage enabling motility in many prokaryotic cells, allowing movement toward or away from stimuli.
  • Nucleoid
    Region within a prokaryotic cell where the circular chromosome is located, not enclosed by a membrane.
  • Circular Chromosome
    Closed-loop DNA molecule containing most genetic information in prokaryotes, housed in the nucleoid.
  • Binary Fission
    Asexual cell division process in prokaryotes, producing two genetically identical daughter cells from one parent.
  • Conjugation
    Mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in prokaryotes, involving direct DNA exchange between cells.
  • Ribosome
    Small, less complex molecular machine in prokaryotes, responsible for translating RNA into proteins.
  • Cyanobacteria
    Photosynthetic prokaryotes with complex internal membranes, unique among prokaryotes for this feature.