Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms between 0.2-2.0 μm in diameter that lack membrane-bound organelles. They have a gelatinous capsule surrounding a cell wall, and motile bacteria possess a flagellum to aid movement. Bacterial DNA is located in a circular chromosome that may be attached to the cell membrane via the mesosome, as well as smaller independent plasmids.

1. Bacterial Cell Structure

3. Prokaryotae (Bacteria) 0.2 – 2.0 µm in diameter. Single celled micro-organisms No membrane bound organelles or functional cytoplasmic units such as centrioles

4. Prokaryotae (Bacteria) A gelatinous capsule , or glycocalyx , formed from polysaccharides, polypeptides or both, surrounds a cell wall . Motile bacteria have a flagellum

6. Prokaryotae (Bacteria) Additional thread like projections called pili assist in the adhesion of two bacteria and the exchange of genetic material.

7. Prokaryotae (Bacteria) Bacterial DNA found in two locations; in the circular chromosome which may be attached to the cell membrane by the mesosome , and in the much smaller unattached circular plasmids .

8. Prokaryotae (Bacteria) Ribosomes and inclusion granules may be found throughout the cytoplasm.