First prokaryotic cells

Prokaryotic cells are cells that lack a membrane-enclosed nucleus. Their DNA is located in a region called the nucleoid, and they also contain ribosomes and a plasma membrane. Bacteria and archaea are prokaryotes.

How it works

Many prokaryotes have a cell wall, and some have additional structures such as capsules, pili, or flagella. Their small size and varied metabolisms allow them to occupy many environments, but traits vary widely among species.

Example or application

A bacterium can reproduce by binary fission, in which one cell divides into two. This is different from the mitosis used by eukaryotic cells, although both are ways cells propagate genetic material.

Scope and limits

“Prokaryote” describes a broad cellular organization, not one uniform group. Bacteria and archaea differ in important molecular and biochemical features.

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