Type of Nucleus:
Bacteria possess a prokaryotic nucleus, also called a nucleoid. It differs significantly from the eukaryotic nucleus found in higher organisms.
Structure of Bacterial Nucleoid:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{It is not surrounded by a nuclear membrane.} \\ \bullet & \text{DNA is present as a single, circular, double-stranded molecule.} \\ \bullet & \text{The DNA is "naked" – not associated with histone proteins.} \\ \bullet & \text{No nucleolus is present.} \\ \end{array}\]
Additional Genetic Material:
- Many bacteria also possess small circular DNA fragments called plasmids, which carry genes for antibiotic resistance and other traits.
Functions of Nucleoid:
\begin{enumerate}
\item Controls cell metabolism and division.
\item Stores genetic information and passes it to daughter cells during binary fission.
\item Regulates synthesis of proteins by transcription and translation.
\end{enumerate}
Conclusion:
Thus, bacterial cells have a primitive nucleus called nucleoid, which lacks a nuclear membrane, histones, and nucleolus. It is a defining feature of prokaryotes.