PROKARYOTIC CELLS Meaning and
Definition
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Prokaryotic cells are a type of single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus surrounded by a nuclear membrane. They are one of the two main groups of cells, the other being eukaryotic cells. The defining characteristic of prokaryotic cells is the absence of membrane-bound organelles, including nuclei, mitochondria, and other membrane-bound structures commonly found in eukaryotic cells.
Prokaryotic cells typically have a simple structure, consisting of a plasma membrane that encloses the cytoplasm, which contains ribosomes, genetic material (DNA or RNA), and various enzymes involved in essential cellular processes. These cells also possess a cell wall, which provides shape, structure, and protection.
Prokaryotic cells are found in various domains, such as Bacteria and Archaea. They exhibit remarkable diversity in terms of shapes and sizes, ranging from spherical (cocci) to rod-shaped (bacilli) to spiral (spirilla). They can be found in a variety of environments, including soil, water, and the human body, and they play crucial roles in various biological processes, such as nutrient cycling and decomposition.
Due to their simplicity and small size, prokaryotic cells are able to reproduce rapidly and adapt to changing environments more efficiently than eukaryotic cells. They are also known for their ability to develop resistance to antibiotics and other forms of stress, making them a subject of significant interest in fields such as microbiology, medicine, and biotechnology.
Common Misspellings for PROKARYOTIC CELLS
- orokaryotic cells
- lrokaryotic cells
- -rokaryotic cells
- 0rokaryotic cells
- peokaryotic cells
- pdokaryotic cells
- pfokaryotic cells
- ptokaryotic cells
- p5okaryotic cells
- p4okaryotic cells
- prikaryotic cells
- prkkaryotic cells
- prlkaryotic cells
- prpkaryotic cells
- pr0karyotic cells
- pr9karyotic cells
- projaryotic cells
- promaryotic cells
- prolaryotic cells
- prooaryotic cells
Etymology of PROKARYOTIC CELLS
The word "prokaryotic" is derived from the Greek words "pro" meaning before or primitive, and "karyon" meaning kernel or nucleus. Therefore, "prokaryotic" refers to cells that lack a true nucleus. The term was coined in 1962 by Roger Stanier and C. B. van Niel to differentiate these types of cells from eukaryotic cells, which have a well-defined nucleus enclosed within a membrane.
