Cells are the building block of the human body. They are essential for the performance of all the body’s primary functions. Prokaryotic cells are usually found in archaea and bacteria. The cell is mainly divided into two types of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The Structure and Functions of a Prokaryotic Cell are different from Eukaryotic cells.
Prokaryotic cell
A prokaryotic cell is a type of cell in which the structure of the nucleus and membrane-bound organelles is not appropriately defined. These cells consist of a nucleus, but the nucleus of these is not truly represented. However, it performs all the essential functions that a normal cell can perform. Prokaryotic cells originated from membrane-bound organic molecules. These molecules are called protobionts. The prokaryotic cells are divided into two types. These are:
- Bacteria
- Archaea
What is the structure and function of a prokaryotic cell?
The structure and function of a prokaryotic cell are primarily similar to the structure of a normal cell. They consist of a cell membrane, which separates the cell’s internal environment from the external environment. The cell membrane of the prokaryotic cells is also called a plasma membrane, as it separates the plasma of the cytoplasm. Along with this, prokaryotic cells also consist of a rigid wall, which works as a protective layer. It prevents the cell from outer world injuries and works as a guard of the cell. Prokaryotic cells are single-celled organisms. The organism having prokaryotic cells is primarily found in the water. Some prokaryotic cell organisms contain storage granules, where they store their food. These storage granules are present in the cytoplasm of the cell.
External Structure and Functions of a Prokaryotic Cell.
Some organisms consist of a flagellum and pilus in the outer part of prokaryotic cells, facilitating their locomotion. Using these structures, the prokaryotic cell organism can move from one place to another. Pilus consists of a hair-like structure, while flagellum consists of a whiplike structure. Some prokaryotic cells organism contains pilus, and some contain flagellum. Along with this, some prokaryotic cell organisms consist of capsules outside their cell wall.
What is the function of ribosomes in a cell?
Ribosomes are the major constituents of prokaryotic cells. They play a significant role in the generation of proteins. These are the tiny spherical structures present in the cytoplasm of the prokaryotic cells. The primary function of ribosomes is the synthesis of proteins. They synthesize proteins in the cell by combining the amino acids present in the cell. The organisms then absorb the manufactured proteins to facilitate growth and other biological functions. They convey the messenger Ribonucleic acid into the proteins with the help of trans Ribonucleic acid.
Functions of prokaryotic cells
A prokaryotic cell performs all the essential functions that a normal cell performs. They can perform reproduction, respiration, digestion, and other biological processes. As the prokaryotic cells, organisms are single-celled organisms, so the single cell performs all these functions. The cell organelles present in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells are responsible for functioning all these functions. The outer membrane of the cell takes food from the outside environment, and then cell organelles perform various chemical reactions on it to perform digestion. After completing the digestion process, the waste material is released into the outside environment. Similarly, all other biological functions are performed by the cell organelles.
Reproduction in prokaryotic cell
As the prokaryotic cells organism are single-celled, they do not reproduce sexually. These organisms use the asexual mode of reproduction. Which are:
- Budding
- Binary Fission
- Fragmentation
Budding: In this type of reproduction, the bud-like structures develop on the body of the parent cell. It takes nutrition from the parent body, and after getting matured, it detaches from the parent body and lives as a separate organism.
Binary Fission: In this type of reproduction, the parent cell divides into two identical cells, separated into two different organisms after maturation.
Fragmentation: In this type of reproduction, the parent cell splits into various fragments, and each fragment develops into a new organism.
Conclusion
A prokaryote is an organism that lacks a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. This article will help you learn about a prokaryotic cell’s structure and functions.
The Structure and Functions of a Prokaryotic Cell are mostly the same as that of a Eukaryotic cell. Only the difference lies in that Eukaryotic cell organisms are multicellular organisms while prokaryotes are single-celled. Along with this, Eukaryotic cells reproduce sexually, and prokaryotic cells produce asexually. However, both the cells perform all the functions performed by the ideal cell. Organisms that have prokaryotic cells are called prokaryotes. Ribosomes play a vital role in the synthesis of proteins in cells. It also plays a significant role in transferring messages within the cell through ribonucleic acid.