Explain the prokaryotic cell.

The word prokaryote is derived from the Greek word "pro" means before and "karyote" means the nucleus.

Thus, prokaryote means a primitive type of nucleus.

A prokaryote is a unicellular organism with a primitive type of nucleus. Prokaryotic cell lacks a membrane-bound nucleus, mitochondria, and any other membrane-bound organelle. Prokaryotes are further divided into, Archaea and Bacteria.

Components of prokaryotic cells

1. Plasma membrane: An outer covering that separates the cell’s inner environment from its surrounding environment.

2. Cytoplasm: It consists of the jelly-like cytosol present inside the cell, along with the cellular structures suspended in it.

3.DNA or RNA: It is the genetic material of the cell. The majority of prokaryotic DNA is found in the nucleoid and consists of a single large loop known as a circular chromosome.

4. Ribosomes: Single membrane structures that synthesize proteins.

5. Cell Wall: The majority of the bacteria are surrounded by a cell wall made of peptidoglycan (polymer-linked carbohydrates and small proteins). The function of the cell wall is to provide an extra layer of protection, maintain cell shape, and prevents dehydration. Few bacteria also possess a capsule that is sticky, an outermost layer of carbohydrates that helps the cell attach to surfaces in its environment.

6. Flagella: Whip-like structures that act as rotary motors to help bacteria move.

7. Fimbriae: Hair-like structures used for attachment to host cells and other surfaces.

8. Pili: Rod-like structures that allow a bacterium to transfer DNA to other bacteria, and sometimes they function in bacterial locomotion.