Properties of Prokaryotes
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 1.1.2
Prokaryotic Cells
The key features of prokaryotic cells are:
Plasmids
- Some prokaryotic cells contain small rings of DNA called plasmids.
- These plasmids can replicate and move between cells so that genetic information can be shared.
No mitochondria or chloroplasts
- Prokaryotic cells do NOT contain mitochondria (where respiration takes place) or chloroplasts (where photosynthesis takes place).
Single DNA loop
- Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus (where DNA is stored).
- Instead, most of their genetic material is stored in a single DNA loop in the cytoplasm (watery jelly that fills the cell).
Test yourself on Properties of Prokaryotes
Which sub-cellular structures can be found in prokaryotic cells?
Which sub-cellular structures are found in all eukaryotic cells?
How do eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells compare in terms of respiration and photosynthesis?
Why can prokaryotic cells share genetic information with each other?
A student examines a cell and finds it contains a nucleus, mitochondria and chloroplasts. What type of cell has the student examined?