Summary:
- Prokaryotic cells are distinguished by their shape.
- The most common shapes are helices, spheres, and rods.
- Prokaryotes also have long, thin protein structures called flagella (singular, flagellum) They extend from the plasma membrane.
- Flagella may be located at one or both ends of the cell or all around it.
- They help prokaryote move toward food or away from toxins.
- Many organisms form spores for reproduction.
- Called endospores, they form inside prokaries when they are under stress.