What are Bacterial Cells?
Bacterial cells can be considered the smallest and most basic forms of life. They are prokaryotic cells, which do not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. Here are some of the most important properties of bacterial cells:
- Cell Wall: Bacterial cells consist of a cell wall that helps in form, strength, and protection. The composition of the cell wall changes which can be depending on the type of bacteria.
- No Nucleus: Bacterial cells do not have a nucleus. Instead, the cytoplasm contains the only circular DNA molecule that makes up its genetic material.
- No Membrane-Bound Organelles: Bacterial cells which are of lack membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria or chloroplasts, in comparison to eukaryotic cells (such as those found in plants and animals).
- Plasmids: Bacterial cells often contain small, circular pieces of DNA called plasmids. Plasmids carry extra genetic information that can provide advantages to the bacteria, such as antibiotic resistance.
- Flagella: Many bacterial cells have flagella, which are whip-like structures that enable them to move in liquid environments.
Difference Between Plant, Animal, and Bacterial Cells
Difference Between Plant, Animal, and Bacterial Cells: Robert Hooke, an English natural philosopher, made the first observations and discoveries of the cell in 1665. Latin roots that translate to “small room” are where the term “cell” comes from. The fundamental structural and functional unit of life is the cell. It is essential to all biological processes and contains membrane-bound organelles that perform a variety of specialized specific tasks to maintain the cell’s survival.