* No Nucleus: Prokaryotes lack a true nucleus. Their DNA is located in a region called the nucleoid, which is not enclosed by a membrane.
* No Membrane-Bound Organelles: Prokaryotes do not have membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, or lysosomes.
* Ribosomes: While both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have ribosomes, prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller (70S) than eukaryotic ribosomes (80S).
* Cell Wall: Most prokaryotes have a rigid cell wall outside their cell membrane. However, some eukaryotes (like plants, fungi, and some protists) also have cell walls.
* Capsule: Some prokaryotes have a capsule, a sticky outer layer that helps them adhere to surfaces and evade the host's immune system.
* Pili (Fimbriae): These are hair-like structures that help prokaryotes attach to surfaces and other cells.
* Flagella: Many prokaryotes have flagella, whip-like structures used for locomotion. However, some eukaryotes also have flagella.
* Plasmids: These are small, circular DNA molecules that can replicate independently of the main chromosome. They often carry genes that provide resistance to antibiotics or other toxins.
Important Note: While these structures are typically associated with prokaryotes, there are some exceptions. For instance, some eukaryotes have structures similar to pili, and certain bacteria lack a cell wall.