BiologyMicrobiology10 minBeginner
Bacterial Cell Structure
Explore the major features of a prokaryotic cell, including the envelope, nucleoid, plasmids, pili, and flagellum.
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Capsule
Outer coating that can help bacteria adhere and avoid defenses.
Bacteria are prokaryotes, which means their DNA is not enclosed in a nucleus. Their cells still have organized features: a protective envelope, cytoplasm, ribosomes, DNA regions, and sometimes external structures for movement or attachment.
Plasmids can carry extra genes, while pili and flagella help bacteria interact with their environment.
Key Idea
Prokaryotic cells are simpler than eukaryotic cells, but they are not structureless. Their parts support survival, movement, and genetic exchange.