Bacteria are prokaryotes--their genetic material is not contained within a nucleus. Because they are also so small, it is easier to get the necessary products of photosynthesis and respiration to all parts of the (one-celled) organism, than it is in eukaryotes. In eukaryotic plants, photosynthesis takes place within the chloroplasts, and respiration in the mitochondria. In prokaryotes such as bacteria, it is not necessary to have specific organelles devoted to these functions as, again, the cells are so small. These process instead take place in the cytoplasmic membrane, in extensions or infoldings. The link I attached has a great, simple list of the major differences between eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
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