The general characteristics of prokaryotic cells are listed below:
In general, prokaryotic cells range in size from 0.1 to 5.0 µm and are considerably smaller than eukaryotic cells.
The shape of prokaryotic cells ranges from cocci, bacilli, spirilla, and vibrio. However, prokaryotic cells with modifications of these shapes are also found in nature.
The cellular organization of prokaryotic cells is primitive as they lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound cell organelles.
The genetic material of prokaryotic cells in a single chromosome is made up of a single strand of DNA.
A critical protein, histone protein, that is found bound in the chromosomes of eukaryotes is absent in prokaryotic cells.
Prokaryotic cells also lack the nucleolus and the mitotic apparatus.
The cell wall of prokaryotic cells is non-cellulosic and is made up of carbohydrates and lipid.
Prokaryotic cells are asexual and thus, reproduce via asexual means without the formation of gametes.
