prokaryotic cells are simpler and smaller than eukaryotic cells
the cytoplasm has no membrane-boundorganelles and the ribosomes are smaller than in eukaryotic cells
the plasma membrane is made of lipids and proteins. it controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell
the flagellum is a long hair-like structure that rotates to make the cell move
prokaryotic cells don't have a nucleus. the DNA floats free in the cytoplasm
DNA is circular, present as one long coiledup strand. it is not attached to histone proteins
plasmids are small loops of DNA that aren't part of the main circular DNA molecule. plasmids contain genes for things like antibiotic resitance and can be passed between bacteria. not all prokaryotes have plasmids, other have several
the cell wall supports the cells and stops it changing shape. it's made of a polymer called murein. murein is a glycoprotein (a proten with a carbohydrate attached)
some prokaryotes e.g. bacteria have a capsule made up of secreted slime. it helps to protect the bacteria from attachment by cells of the immunesystem
