Cell physiology

Their mechanisms are simpler than later-evolved eukaryotes, which contain a nucleus that envelops the cell's DNA and some organelles.

[3] Prokaryotes have DNA located in an area called the nucleoid, which is not separated from other parts of the cell by a membrane.

Both have plasma membranes and ribosomes (structures that synthesize proteins[clarification needed] and float free in cytoplasm).

Two unique characteristics of prokaryotes are fimbriae (finger-like projections on the surface of a cell) and flagella (threadlike structures that aid movement).

The nucleus, the feature of a eukaryote that distinguishes it from a prokaryote, contains a nuclear envelope, nucleolus and chromatin.

In cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) synthesizes[clarification needed] membranes and performs other metabolic activities.

The Golgi apparatus consists of multiple membranous sacs, responsible for manufacturing and shipping out materials such as proteins.

Lysosomes are structures that use enzymes to break down substances through phagocytosis, a process that comprises endocytosis and exocytosis.

[3] Endocytosis is a form of active transport where a cell takes in molecules, using the plasma membrane, and packages them into vesicles.

The receptor proteins that are attached to the specific solutes go inside coated pits, forming a vesicle.