Final answer:
A prokaryotic cell is a unicellular organism without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, with DNA located in the nucleoid. The term 'prokaryote' refers to organisms that evolved before nuclei. These cells often have cell walls and may exhibit varied types of movement using flagella.
Step-by-step explanation:
A prokaryotic cell is a unicellular organism that lacks a nucleus and any membrane-bound organelles. The word prokaryote comes from the Greek words 'pro' meaning 'before' and 'karyon' meaning 'nucleus'. This can help us remember that prokaryotes are organisms that evolved before nuclei became a feature of cells. Prokaryotic DNA is typically a single, circular chromosome found in an area of the cell known as the nucleoid. Unlike eukaryotic cells, prokaryotes do not have a nucleus where DNA is enclosed.
Most prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, have a cell wall that provides structure and protection. This is one major difference when compared with animal cells, which are eukaryotic and do not have a cell wall. Bacterial cells may also have a bacterial capsule, which is not uniform in composition across different species and serves as a protective layer. For movement, prokaryotic cells might possess flagella that rotate like propellers, which is different from the wave-like motion of eukaryotic flagella.