Prokaryotes: Nucleoid

PROKARYOTES
Cell theory : A view of scientist about cell is called cell theory. This was given by Schieleden , Schwann
and Rudolf Virchow. It states that :
1. All organisms are composed of one or more of cells.
2. Cell is the basic unit of life.
3. The new cell arises only from pre-existing cell
TYPES OF CELL
1. PROKARYOTIC CELL : The cell which has no well organized nucleus and no membrane bounded
organelles is called Prokaryotic cell such as bacteria and cynobacteria
2. EUKARYOTIC CELL: The cell which has well organized nucleus and well membrane bounded organelles
such as plants and animals cell
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PROKARYOTIC AND EUKARYOTIC CELL
 A major difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is the location of chromosomes.
 In an eukaryotic cell, chromosomes are contained in a true nucleus
 In a prokaryotic cell, the DNA is concentrated in the nucleoid) without a membrane separating
it from the rest of the cell.
 In prokaryotic cell, DNA is a single strand or double strand DNA. But in eukaryotic cell, DNA is
double strand.
 The smallest bacteria, mycoplasmas, are between 0.1 to 1.0 micron.
 Most bacteria are 1-10 microns in diameter.
 Eukaryotic cells are typically 10-100 microns in diameter.
STRUCTURE OF BACTERIA
Following structures are found in bacteria
Nucleoid : The nucleoid (meaning nucleus-like) is an irregularly shaped region within the cell of
a prokaryote that contains all or most of the genetic material, called genophore. In contrast to
the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell, it is not surrounded by a nuclear membrane.
Genophore : Sometimes referred to as the bacterial chromosome, is a long double strand of

DNA, usually in one large circle. It includes most of the genetic material of the organism.
Plasmid: Plasmids are small circular DNA fragments found in the cytoplasm that contain code
responsible for antibiotic resistance and other characteristics. Plasmids and the associated traits
can be transferred between bacteria, even from one bacterial species to another.
Cytoplasm: This internal "soup" of the bacterial cell is bounded on the outside by the cell envelope. The
cytoplasm is mostly water, but within it are the bacterial inclusions - nucleoid, plasmids, ribosomes and
storage granules - as well as the components necessary for bacterial metabolism.
Endospore: Some bacteria can survive hostile environments, often for long time periods, by bundling
their genetic material in a tough internal structure. Endospores can withstand heat, cold, radiation, and
lack of nutrition.
Ribosomes: Ribosomes give the cytoplasm of bacteria a granular appearance in electron micrographs.
Though smaller than the ribosomes in eukaryotic cells, these inclusions have a similar function in
translating the genetic message in messenger RNA into the production of peptide sequences (proteins).
Cell Envelope
Beginning from the innermost structure and moving outward, bacteria have some or all of the following
structures:
Plasma Membrane: This is a lipid bilayer much like the cytoplasmic (plasma) membrane of other cells.
There are numerous proteins moving within or upon this layer that are primarily responsible for
transport of ions, nutrients and waste across the membrane.
Periplasmic Space: This cellular compartment is found only in those bacteria that have both an outer
membrane and plasma membrane (e.g. Gram negative bacteria). In the space are enzymes and other
proteins that help digest and move nutrients into the cell.
Cell Wall: Composed of peptidoglycan (polysaccharides + protein), the cell wall maintains the overall
shape of a bacterial cell. The three primary shapes in bacteria are coccus (spherical), bacillus (rod-
shaped) and spirillum (spiral). Mycoplasma are bacteria that have no cell wall and therefore have no
definite shape.
Outer Membrane: This lipid bilayer is found in Gram negative bacteria and is the location of
lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in these bacteria. Gram positive bacteria lack this layer. LPS can be toxic to a
host and can stimulate the host's immune system.
Capsule: This layer of polysaccharide (sometimes proteins) protects the bacterial cell and is often
associated with pathogenic bacteria because it serves as a barrier against phagocytosis by white blood
cells. Capsules can be seen by viewing bacteria in India ink.
Appendages : Bacteria may have the following appendages.
Pili, Fimbriae: These hollow, hairlike structures made of protein allow bacteria to attach to other cells. A
specialized pilus, the sex pilus, allows the transfer of plasmid DNA from one bacterial cell to another. Pili
(sing., pilus) are also called fimbriae (sing., fimbria).
Flagella: The purpose of flagella (sing., flagellum) is motility. Flagella are long appendages which rotate
by means of a "motor" in the cell envelope. Bacteria may have one, a few, or many flagella in different
positions on the cell.

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PROKARYOTES

1. All organisms are composed of one or more of cells.

2. Cell is the basic unit of life.

3. The new cell arises only from pre-existing cell

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PROKARYOTIC AND EUKARYOTIC CELL

Following structures are found in bacteria

Genophore : Sometimes referred to as the bacterial chromosome, is a long double strand of

Appendages : Bacteria may have the following appendages.

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