# A bacterial cell is a prokaryotic cell. Explain why bacterial cells do not have mitochondria yet are still able to carry out cellular respiration.

> OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247) — B1.1 Cell structures · Explain · 4 marks

> Bacteria are single-celled organisms that lack many of the membrane-bound organelles found in eukaryotic cells. Despite this, bacteria are able to release energy and remain active.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Mitochondria are the site of aerobic respiration in eukaryotic cells
2. Bacterial cells are prokaryotic and do not contain membrane-bound organelles / do not have a nucleus
3. Cellular respiration is a process that occurs in all living cells / is universal
4. Bacteria can still carry out cellular respiration because the enzymes and reactions required occur in the cytoplasm rather than in mitochondria

## Key terms

- [cellular respiration](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cellular-respiration)
- [mitochondria](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/mitochondria)
- [prokaryotic](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/prokaryotic)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-bacterial-cell-is-a-prokaryotic-0e44f37e) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.