2.2 Prokaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic Cells:    

• Cell Wall: outer layer that protects the cells from external damage or internal pressure build up
• Cell Membrane: semi-permeable layer that allows the exchange of materials between environment and cell
• Cytoplasm: Fluid that contains enzymes used in metabolic reactions
• Nucleoid: contains the prokaryotic DNA (genophore)
• Plasmid: DNA molecule that can replicate and exist in separation from genophore
• Ribosome: Protein synthesis occurs here. Made of RNA and protein
• Slime Capsule: Polysaccharide layer 
• Flagella: contains motor that spins the flagella like a propellor to move the cells
• Pili:  hair like extensions that allow bacteria to adhere to each other or to surface, or the longer version allows exchange of genetic material in a process called bacterial conjugation

Prokaryotes such as bacteria can divide by binary fission. This is an example of asexual reproduction that's different from mitosis. In binary fission, the circular DNA is copied when the cell wants to replicate. The two circles of DNA attach to the membrane and the membrane elongates until it is pinched off (cytokinesis) to form two separate cells