A glycocalyx is a carbohydrate-rich sugar coat that forms an additional envelope structure exterior to the cell wall in some prokaryotic cells. This layer allows cells to adhere to surfaces, which is a critical step in the formation of layered microbial colonies known as biofilms. There are two primary types of glycocalyces: highly organized capsules and loosely attached slime layers.

Glycocalyx

An S-layer is an additional cell envelope structure composed of a mixture of structural proteins and glycoproteins. In bacteria, S-layers are located outside the cell wall, whereas in some archaeal cells, the S-layer itself serves as the cell wall. Although their exact functions are not entirely understood and they are difficult to study, available evidence suggests they assist prokaryotic cells in withstanding osmotic pressure and help certain pathogens interact with the host's immune system.

S-layer

The cell envelope is a collective term for the structural layers that enclose the cytoplasm and internal components of a cell. In prokaryotic organisms, the precise composition of the cell envelope varies depending on the species and cell type, but it universally includes a plasma membrane and, in the vast majority of cases, a surrounding cell wall.

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A prokaryotic cell is a major category of cell that lacks a nucleus surrounded by a complex nuclear membrane. Instead, its genetic material is generally a single, circular chromosome located in a nucleoid region. While prokaryotic cells generally lack complex membrane-bound organelles, they often contain inclusions that compartmentalize their cytoplasm. Microorganisms composed of these cells are classified within the domains Archaea and Bacteria.

Prokaryotic Cell

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Bacteria are prokaryotic microorganisms found in nearly every habitat on Earth, including within and on the human body. As prokaryotes, their genetic material (DNA) is not housed within a true nucleus. Most bacterial cells feature cell walls containing peptidoglycan. While many bacteria are harmless or beneficial, some act as pathogens and cause diseases in humans and other animals.

Bacteria

Photosynthesis is the process of using the sun's light as energy and converting it to chemical energy to fix gaseous carbon dioxide and create sugars such as glucose. The first organisms with the capability to photosynthesize stemmed from prokaryotes 3.8 billion years ago. What is required for photosynthesis include a light source, carbon, electron donor, and pigments to harvest energy.

Photosynthesis

Bacteria is a very diverse domain, characterized by their prokaryotic cells and lack of ether linkages, with membranes made of phospholipid bilayers.

Bacteria (domain)

Archaea are unicellular prokaryotic organisms that have distinct evolutionary histories, genetics, metabolic pathways, and structural compositions compared to bacteria. They are found in nearly every habitat, including extreme environments that are very cold, hot, basic, or acidic. While some archaea reside in the human body, none have been identified as human pathogens.

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