Here's the breakdown:
* Pro-: This prefix means "before" or "in front of."
* Karyotic: This refers to the nucleus, the central part of a cell that contains the genetic material (DNA).
Therefore, "prokaryotic" means "before nucleus" or "without a nucleus."
Prokaryotic cells are simple cells that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. They include bacteria and archaea. In contrast, eukaryotic cells, which include plants, animals, fungi, and protists, have a nucleus and other organelles.