Question

What characteristics do all prokaryotes have in common?

Answer 1

Characteristics that all prokaryotes have in common:

1. Prokaryotes are single-celled and lack nuclei and other membrane-bound organelles.
2. Nucleoid - Prokaryotic chromosomes are usually round, haploid (unpaired), and not bound by a complex nuclear membrane.
3. Plasmids - Small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecules in which extrachromosomal DNA is found.
4. Ribosomes - Prokaryotic ribosomes are 70S ribosomes while eukaryotic are 80S. Although they are the same size, both have different proteins and rRNA molecules, and the archaeal cells are more similar to their eukaryotic counterparts than to those in bacteria.
5. Plasma Membrane - Also known as a cytoplasmic membrane or cell membrane exhibits selective permeability, allowing certain molecules to enter or exit the cell while restricting the movement of others.
6. Cell wall - The main function of the cell wall is to protect the cells from the harsh conditions of the external environment.
7. Fimbriae and Pili - Fimbriae are used to adhere to the surfaces, whereas pili are for conjugation.
8. Flagella - Prokaryotes can have flagella for mobility.