Learning Objects : Lifelong Application

RLO: Prokaryotes and eukaryotes

• Introduction
• Prokaryotes: characteristics
• Prokaryotes: examples
• Eukaryotes: characteristics
• Eukaryotes: examples
• Activity 1
• Activity 2
• Feedback
• Resources

Prokaryotes: characteristics

Prokaryotic literally means ‘before the nut or kernel’, referring to the nucleus of the cell. The genetic material is circular; it is neither organised nor contained within a specialised membrane. Bacteria are prokaryotes and range in size from 0.2 – 2.0 µm.

Whilst prokaryotic cells are smaller and less complex than eukaryotic cells, there is no doubt that the success of prokaryotes has far surpassed any other living organisms that have since colonised the earth. In fact, there are probably more bacteria on your skin than the entire human population of the planet!

When you've completed this section, click the button on the media player, or click the 'Prokaryotes: examples' tab above to continue.