Parts of Prokaryotic Cells

1. Capsule – an additional outer covering that protects the cell when it is engulfed by other organisms. It is also important in retaining moisture and helps the cell adhere to surfaces and nutrients.

2. Cell Wall – outer covering that protects the cell and gives it shape.

3. Cytoplasm – a gel-like substance composed mainly of water. It also contains enzymes, salts, cell components, and various organic molecules.

4. Cell Membrane or Plasma Membrane – surrounds the cell’s cytoplasm and regulates the flow of substances in and out of the cell.

5. Pili – thin, non-flagellar protein filament found on the surface of the cell which is important in the exchange of genetic material between cells. Fimbriae are thin, hair-like, projections which are made of protein sub-units. It promotes attachment or adhesion to surfaces.

6. Flagella – long, whip-like protrusion that aids in cellular locomotion.

7. Ribosomes – sphere-shaped structure found in the cytoplasm which is responsible   for protein synthesis. They are composed of protein and ribonucleic acid (RNA).

8. Plasmids – gene carrying, circular DNA structures that are not involved in reproduction.

9. Nucleiod region – area of the cytoplasm that contains the single bacterial DNA molecule.