2020
Overview
Prokaryotic cells are the most primitive of all living organisms and the most common type of cell on the planet. They are at the base of the tree of life, meaning they are the most ancient type of cell and are found in all types of organisms, including bacteria, archaea and single-celled eukaryotes. Prokaryotic cells are characterized by their lack of a nucleus and other membrane-bound internal organelles. Instead, the genetic material is held in a single circular loop of DNA located within the cytoplasm. These cells are the most important for scientists to study as they are the most plentiful and diverse. Moreover, many metabolic pathways and basic cellular processes have first been discovered in them. Their study has allowed us to develop antibiotics, vaccines, and genetic engineering to treat and cure a variety of diseases.
Research published in this journal
1 peer-reviewed article, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.