In the study of prokaryotic surface structures, understanding the various components that surround bacterial cells is essential. One of the primary structures is the glycocalyx, a sticky, gel-like polysaccharide layer that envelops the cell. The glycocalyx exists in two forms: the capsule and the slime layer. The capsule is a highly organized and tightly anchored layer, while the slime layer is less organized and more loosely attached to the cell.

Another important structure is the pili, which are long protein filaments extending from the cell surface. Pili serve multiple functions, including motility—facilitating twitching and gliding movements—and acting as a sex pilus for conjugation, a process where DNA is transferred between bacterial cells through direct contact.

Additionally, fimbriae are short filaments that also extend from the cell surface, primarily used for attachment. They play a crucial role in the formation of biofilms, which are communities of microbes living together within an extracellular polymeric substance.

Specific to archaeal cells are the hammi, which are short protein filaments that function like grappling hooks, allowing archaea to adhere to one another and to other bacteria.

Lastly, the flagella is a long protein filament essential for swimming motility, enabling cells to move in a run-and-tumble fashion. Understanding these structures is vital for comprehending how prokaryotic cells interact with their environment and each other.