Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function: An In-Depth Exploration

Jakarta –

Each of us must have a cell which is one of the building blocks of living things. One type of cell is a prokaryotic cell which has a very simple cell structure.

Written in the book ‘Biology Jl.1 Ed. 5’, the word prokaryotic is adapted from the Greek, namely prokaryote. The word pro means before, and the word karyon means kernel, which in this discussion is called the nucleus.

Therefore, we know that prokaryotic cells are cells that do not have a nuclear membrane. Its genetic material (DNA) is concentrated only in the nucleoid, but lacks a membrane that separates the nucleus from the rest of the cell.

Well detikers, let’s look at the next discussion regarding prokaryotic cells which can add to your insight.

Example of a Prokaryotic Cell

It is known from the book ‘Fundamentals of Microbiology and Its Application’ that there are several living things that taxonomically belong to the prokaryotic cell group, including the Archaebacteria and Eubacteria groups.

Archaebacteria are a group of bacteria that have properties, able to adapt to high temperatures, which reach 100 degrees Celsius. This bacterium is also able to live in an environment that has high levels of salinity or acid.

Organisms with prokaryotic cells will usually be both anaerobic and aerobic. It is represented by the Eubacteria group. Usually groups have the following characteristics:

• An environment that does not depend on the availability of oxygen
• Has peptidoglycan as a building block of cell walls
• Has bacteriochlorophyll pigment for photosynthesis
• Can produce ATP more efficiently due to the presence of DNA through the mechanism of the electron transport system.

Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function

The structure and function of prokaryotic cells which are written in the book ‘Fundamentals of Microbiology and Its Application’ belonging to Aminatus Sa’diyah, et al are:

Prokaryotic cells have two layers of membranes that function as protectors and cell wrappers, as well as controlling the entry and exit of substances from the outside into the cell, namely:

• Cell membrane or plasma membrane

The cell membrane is the first protective structure that functions as a separator between the outside of the cell (extracellular) and the inside of the cell (intracellular). This section is made up of lipoproteins or a combination of lipids and proteins.

The cell wall serves as a structural barrier that provides protection against infection and mechanical stress and provides a fixed shape to the cell. The basic building blocks of cell walls are a combination of proteins, carbohydrates (peptidoglycan), and lipids.

The cytoplasm will produce enzymes that can be used as basic ingredients for cell metabolic processes, help extracellular digestion of food so as to produce cell energy.

This section consists of a clear liquid or cytosol which contains dissolved protein, electrolytes, glucose, small amounts of phospholipids, cholesterol and esterified fatty acids, small organelles, particles and minerals, and enzymes.

The outermost part of the prokaryotic cell that functions as a protector of the intracellular part of the cell from pathogen attack or environmental conditions. Usually composed of polymers in the form of polysaccharides or polypeptides or both.

In prokaryotic cells, this section functions to regenerate cell division and growth mechanisms, and control chemical reactions. It is known, the nucleus has chromosomes that carry genetic information in the form of DNA or genes.

The nuclear structure consists of the nuclear membrane, nucleoplasm, and nucleolus.

Ribosomes are small and dense organelles, do not have a membrane but function as a site of protein synthesis. Prokaryotic cells have three types of ribosomes, while eukaryotic cells have four types of ribosomes.

Mesosomes are located on the cell wall. The function of this section is to produce energy through the process of cellular respiration which will be used for activities within the cell. Mesosomes have membranes equipped with respiratory enzymes to produce energy through oxidation reactions.

In the form of filaments that extend towards the outside of the cell and function as a cell movement tool.

• Pili or Fringe (Bulu Rambut)

Is a tool for attaching bacterial cells to the surface of the substrate and is used to transfer genetic material. It usually has a hair-like structure on the cell surface and is composed mostly of protein 11.

The difference with eukaryotic cells

Still in the book ‘Biology Jl.1 Ed. 5’, the fundamental difference between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells lies in their structure. This is because prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus like eukaryotic cells do.

It is known, eukaryotic cells have a nucleus covered by a nuclear envelope, and have cytoplasm that limits the area between the nucleus and the cell membrane.

The cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells consists of a semi-liquid medium, namely cytosol which is located in organelles equipped with specialized forms and functions. Unfortunately, most of these organelles are not owned by prokaryotic cells.

Structural differences are also explained on the Ministry of Education and Culture’s website, where it is explained that prokaryotic cells do not have a nuclear membrane and an endomembrane system (inner membrane), such as the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus.

Meanwhile, eukaryotic cells have a nuclear membrane and an endomembrane system (membrane organelles). Eukaryotic cells can be found in animal and plant cells.

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