2.1.3

Properties of Prokaryotes

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Prokaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic cells (such as bacteria) are much smaller and lack many of the structures found in plant and animal cells. The key features of prokaryotic cells are:

Illustrative background for Mitochondria and chloroplastsIllustrative background for Mitochondria and chloroplasts ?? "content

Mitochondria and chloroplasts

  • Prokaryotic cells do not contain mitochondria (where respiration takes place) or chloroplasts (where photosynthesis takes place).
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Lack of nucleus

  • Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus (where DNA is stored).
  • Instead, their genetic material is stored in a single DNA loop in the cytoplasm (watery jelly that fills the cell).
Illustrative background for No endoplasmic reticulumIllustrative background for No endoplasmic reticulum ?? "content

No endoplasmic reticulum

  • Prokaryotic cells do not contain rough endoplasmic reticulum (stacked-structure covered in ribosomes).

Jump to other topics

1Classification of Living Organisms

2Organisation of the Organism

3Movement Into & Out of Cells

4Biological Molecules

5Enzymes

6Plant Nutrition

7Human Nutrition

8Transport in Plants

9Transport in Animals

10Diseases & Immunity

11Gas Exchange in Humans

12Respiration

13Excretion in Humans

14Coordination & Response

15Drugs

16Reproduction

17Inheritance

18Variation & Selection

19Organisms & Their Environment

20Human Influence on Ecosystems

21Biotechnology & Genetic Modification

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