Prokaryote Cell Structures

1. Taxonomy vs. structure2. Size and shapes3. Structures and functions – inside

out• Flagella and pili• Glycocalx• Cell Wall• Cytoplasmic membrane• Cytoplasm• Nucleoid• Specialized structures• internal structures

Taxa and structures

Sizes and Shapes

Overview

Flagella

A. Monotrichous

B. Lophotrichous

C. Amphitrichous

D. Peritrichous

A flagellum

Flagellum from textbook

Chemotaxis

Pili: structure/function

• Synonymous with fimbrae, fibril, filament

• Structures are something of a mystery still

• Function? Media attachment, one way or other– To surfaces– To other cells – animal or microbial– Often lost upon culturing in broth

Glycocalx

• S-layer

• Capsule/slime layer

• Functions:– Stealth– Hydration– Nutrients– Attachment

Cell Wall

• Functions– Protection– Transport– Many more if you include the periplasmic

space

• Cell Wall Varieties