Prokaryotes
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Prokaryotic cells are the simplest form of a cell. Unlike a eukaryote, prokaryotes lack a nucleus. Because they do not have a nucleus, their DNA floats freely in the cell. Although the DNA of a prokaryotic cell is not confined by a nucleus, it generally remains clumped together in an area of the cell. Prokaryotes lack just about all other organelles that would typically be found in a cell. They contain ribosomes which are in charge of making protein in the cell. Ribosomes are not considered organelles because they lack a membrane that protects them. Prokaryotes also contain DNA and RNA. These enable the cell to reproduce. Before a prokaryotic cell divides, it replicates its DNA. Because prokaryotic cells lack most of the traditional cell parts, they tend to be very small compared with other cell types. Bacteria cells are an example of a prokaryote. They are very tiny cells that exist almost everywhere. Bacteria are in the water we drink and in the air we breathe. There are some helpful bacteria inside of our bodies. They are in our intestines and help with the digestion process. Bacteria outnumber all other cells by a long shot. There is about five nonillion prokaryotic or bacteria cells on Earth. |
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