GCSE Biology (AQA)

331 videos | 14 hours

Cell Biology Cell Structure

Prokaryotes

2:04 Prokaryotic Cells
Spec 4.1.1.1
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  • Prokaryotes are simple, single-cell organisms.
  • All bacterial cells are prokaryotic.
  • Bacteria vary in shape and size, including spherical, rod-shaped, and curved forms.
  • Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and other internal membranes.
  • Prokaryotic cells are smaller than eukaryotic cells, such as those of animals and plants.
  • Prokaryotic cells predate eukaryotic cells.
  • Bacteria evolved before plants and animal cells.
  • The term "prokaryotic" comes from Greek words meaning "before the nucleus."
  • Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells do not.
  • In prokaryotic cells, genetic material is free in the cytoplasm, consisting of a single DNA loop and plasmids.
  • For exams, it's important to know that prokaryotic cells contain cytoplasm, a cell membrane, a cell wall, and that their genetic material is not enclosed in a nucleus.

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