Prokaryotic Cell Structure Function Biology Lecture
Prokaryotic Cell Structure Function Biology Lecture
Prokaryotic Cell Structure Function Biology Lecture
From the Virtual Microbiology Classroom on ScienceProfOnline.com Image: Prokaryotic cell diagram: M. Ruiz
Prokaryotic Cell
- Is a unicellular
organism that lacks a
membrane-bound
nucleus,
mitochondria, or any
other membrane-
bound organelle.
Two Basic Types of Cells
Nucleoid
• Region of cytoplasm where prokaryote’s genome
(DNA) is located.
• Usually a singular, circular chromosome.
Plasmid
• Small extra piece of chromosome/genetic material.
• 5 - 100 genes
• Not critical to everyday functions.
• Can provide genetic information to promote:
- Antibiotic resistance
- Virulence factors
(molecules produced by pathogen that specifically influence
host's function to allow the pathogen to thrive)
- Promote conjugation
(transfer of genetic material between bacteria through cell-
to-cell contact)
Image: Prokaryotic Cell Diagram: M. Ruiz,
From the Virtual Microbiology Classroom on ScienceProfOnline.com Bacterial conjugation, Adenosine
Prokaryotes
Cytoplasm
• Also known as proto-plasm.
• Gel-like matrix of water, enzymes,
nutrients, wastes, and gases and
contains cell structures.
Granules
• Bacteria’s way of storing nutrients.
Cytoskeleton
Cellular "scaffolding" or
"skeleton" within the
cytoplasm.
Major advance in
prokaryotic cell biology in
the last decade has been
discovery of the
prokaryotic cytoskeleton.
From the Virtual Microbiology Classroom on ScienceProfOnline.com Image: Prokaryotic Cell: M. Ruiz
Prokaryotes
Ribosomes
Found within cytoplasm or
attached to plasma membrane.
Phospholipid molecules
oriented so that hydrophilic
water-loving heads directed
outward and hydrophobic
water-hating tails directed
inward.
Membrane is semi-permeable.
From the Virtual Microbiology Classroom on ScienceProfOnline.com Image: Cell Membrane diagram, Dhatfield
Prokaryotes – Plasma Membrane as a Barrier
Osmosis
Environment surrounding
cells may contain amounts of
dissolved substances
(solutes) that are…
- equal to Plasma
membrane
- less than
- greater than CELL
Liquid
…those found within the cell. Liquid
environment
environment
inside the cell.
outside the cell.
From the Virtual Microbiology Classroom on ScienceProfOnline.com Images: Osmosis animation; Osmosis with RBCs, M. Ruiz
Prokaryotes – Plasma Membrane as a Barrier
From the Virtual Microbiology Classroom on ScienceProfOnline.com Images: Osmosis animation; Osmosis with RBCs, M. Ruiz
Cells & Water:
Osmotic Pressure
• H2O important reactant in many metabolic
reactions.
• Most cells die in absence of water.
• Cell walls of bacteria and plants prevent
them from exploding in a hypotonic
environment, but most bacteria are
vulnerable in hypertonic environments.
• Types of active transport are classified by type of energy used to drive molecules
across membranes.
Gram-positive Gram-negative
1. Slime Layer
- Glycoproteins loosely associated with the
cell wall.
- Slime layer causes bacteria to adhere to
solid surfaces and helps prevent the cell from
drying out.
- Streptococcus
The slime layer of Gram+ Streptococcus mutans
allows it to accumulate on tooth enamel (yuck mouth
and one of the causes of cavities).
Mannitol
Salt
Other bacteria in the mouth become trapped in the
slime and form a biofilm & eventually a buildup of
plaque.
Images: Slime layer, Encyclopedia Britannica; Biofilm, PHIL # 11706; Dirty
From the Virtual Microbiology Classroom on ScienceProfOnline.com toilet, T. Port Sweat on face; Staphylococcus & Mannitol Salt agar, T. Port
Prokaryotes - Glycocalyx
2. Capsule
From the Virtual Microbiology Classroom on ScienceProfOnline.com Image: Prokaryotic Cell Diagram: M. Ruiz, Other Images Unknown Source
Prokaryotes - Endospores
Dormant, tough, non-reproductive structure
produced by small number of bacteria.
From the Virtual Microbiology Classroom on ScienceProfOnline.com Images: Helicobacter pylori ; Axial filament, Source unknown