... Prokaryotes, like all cells, are bound by a plasma membrane that completely encloses the cytosol and separates the cell from the external environment. Prokaryotes have a plasma membrane that can be folded to form mesosome which is where DNA replication and enzymatic reactions can occur. Damage can occur to all cellular molecules. If RNA or proteins are damaged, they can be degraded and newly synthesised by the mechanisms transcription and translation using DNA as a template, whereas DNA needs to be repaired when damaged. The agents that damage DNA are certain wavelengths of radiation (gamma, ultraviolet and x-rays), highly reactive oxygen radicals, chemicals in the environment (hydrocarbons in cigarette smoke) and chemicals used during chemotherapy. These agents can cause the bases in the DNA to be covalently modified at various positions and cause failure in the proofreading during DNA replication producing mismatching of the normal bases. Also they can cause ...

See this essay or coursework document in full right now