Using bacteria as our sample prokaryote, the following structures and organelles can be found in bacterial cells:
Capsule - Found in some bacterial cells, this additional outer covering protects the cell when it is engulfed by other organisms, assists in retaining moisture, and helps the cell adhere to surfaces and nutrients.
Cell Wall - The cell wall is an outer covering that protects the bacterial cell and gives it shape.
Cytoplasm - Cytoplasm is a gel-like substance composed mainly of water that also contains enzymes, salts, cell components, and various organic molecules.
Cell Membrane or Plasma Membrane - The cell membrane surrounds the cell's cytoplasm and regulates the flow of substances in and out of the cell.
Pili (Pilus singular)- Hair-like structures on the surface of the cell that attach to other bacterial cells. Shorter pili called fimbriae help bacteria attach to surfaces.
Flagella - Flagella are long, whip-like protrusion that aids in cellular locomotion.
Ribosomes - Ribosomes are cell structures responsible for protein production.
Plasmids - Plasmids are gene carrying, circular DNA structures that are not involved in reproduction.
Nucleiod Region - Area of the cytoplasm that contains the single bacterial DNA molecule.