01 · The big difference
DNA, but no nucleus
Bacteria are prokaryotic cells. They are much smaller than animal and plant cells.
Their main DNA is a single circular loop, free in the cytoplasm. It is not enclosed in a nucleus.
Lesson 1.2 · AQA Combined Science
Bacterial cells
Small cells. Important differences. Explore a bacterium and learn its key structures.
02 · Look inside
Tap a structure
Follow the pointer to find each structure. Try the black-and-white view too.
The tiny solid dots are ribosomes. The small hollow rings are plasmids. This example has three plasmids; not all bacteria have them.
03 · Remember the jobs
Six structures to recognise
04 · Compare cells
What is different?
Both cell types have DNA, cytoplasm, a cell membrane and ribosomes. Bacteria have no nucleus, mitochondria or chloroplasts. Their cell wall is not made of cellulose.
The key idea
Prokaryotic = no nucleus. The main DNA is a single circular loop in the cytoplasm. Plasmids are small extra rings of DNA.
Eukaryotic = DNA enclosed in a nucleus. Animal and plant cells are eukaryotic.
20 quick questions
Bacteria explorer
Name the structure, then match its job.
Question 1 of 20Spot · Match · Explain
Use the pictures to help you.
Read the numbers
How many particles?
Case closed!
One point for each answer you get right first time.
No timer. Take your time and use a clue whenever you need one.