Definition of Prokaryotes



Prokaryotes are simple organisms that are composed of only one cell. The characteristics of prokaryotes include that they all have a cell wall, a cell membrane, cytoplasm, genetic material and ribosomes. The prokaryotes do not have a defined nucleus and the organelles present in a prokaryotic cell are not bounded by a membrane.

 


The genetic material is present in a darker region called nucleoid located at the centre of the cell. The diameter of the prokaryotic cell ranges from 0.1 to 5.0 micrometres. Some of the prokaryotes have specialized structures like flagella and pili. The flagellum helps the organisms in movement whereas the pilus is used in mating.

 


Examples of Prokaryotes:

The examples of prokaryotes include mycoplasmas, green-blue algae and bacteria.

 

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