Prokaryotes synthesize polyprenols (called bactoprenols) in which the terminal isoprenoid unit attached to oxygen remains unsaturated, whereas in animal polyprenols (dolichols) the terminal isoprenoid is reduced.
Prokaryoter syntetiserer polyprenoler (kaldet bactoprenoler) hvorved den sidste isoprenoid-enhed vedhæftet oxygen forbliver umættet, hvorimod den sidste isoprenoid reduceres i animalske polyprenoler (dolicholer).