Prokaryote cells lack the typical eukaryote organelles such as Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and chloroplasts.
Although all prokaryote and eukaryote cells have cytoplasm (or cytosol) that contains several membrane-bound bodies. Prokaryotic cells lack organelles such as Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and chloroplasts that eukaryotic cells possess. Prokaryotic cells contain only a single compartment enclosed within a cell membrane.
In addition to the lack of organelles, prokaryotic cells also lack a cytoskeleton which is involved in intracellular organelle transport.
Practice Questions
Khan Academy
MCAT Official Prep (AAMC)
Online Flashcards Biology Question 5
Key Points
• Prokaryotic cells lack internal cellular bodies (organelles) such as Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and chloroplasts that eukaryotic cells possess.
• In prokaryotic cells, there is no cytoskeleton to move intracellular organelles because, in the first place, there are no organelles to be transported.
Key Terms
organelles: a tiny cellular structure that performs specific functions within a cell
endoplasmic reticulum: a continuous membrane system that forms a series of flattened sacs within the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells
golgi apparatus: a complex of vesicles and folded membranes within the cytoplasm of most eukaryotic cells
mitochondria: an organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur
chloroplasts: are organelles found in plant cells and eukaryotic algae that conduct photosynthesis
cytoskeleton: a structure that helps cells maintain their shape and internal organization
prokaryote: an organism whose cell (or cells) are characterized by the absence of a nucleus or any other membrane-bound organelles
eukaryote: an organism with genetic material within a distinct nucleus
intracellular: located or occurring within a cell or cells.
