Figure 3.12 A typical prokaryotic cell contains a cell membrane, chromosomal DNA that is concentrated in a
nucleoid, ribosomes, and a cell wall. Some prokaryotic cells may also possess flagella, pili, fimbriae, and capsules.
Common Cell Morphologies and Arrangements
Individual cells of a particular prokaryotic organism are typically similar in shape, orcell morphology. Although
thousands of prokaryotic organisms have been identified, only a handful of cell morphologies are commonly seen
microscopically.Figure 3.13names and illustrates cell morphologies commonly found in prokaryotic cells. In
additiontocellular shape,prokaryoticcellsofthesamespeciesmaygrouptogetherincertain distinctive arrangements
depending on the plane of cell division. Some common arrangements are shown inFigure 3.14.
Chapter 3 | The Cell 93