eu·kar·y·ote also eu·car·y·ote (y -k r  - t, -- t)n. A single-celled or multicellular organism whose cells contain a distinct membrane-bound nucleus. [eu- + Greek karu tos, having nuts (from karuon, nut; see kar- in Indo-European roots).]eu·kar  y·otic (- t k) adj. |
eukaryote, eucaryote [juːˈkærɪɒt]
n
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) any member of the Eukarya, a domain of organisms having cells each with a distinct nucleus within which the genetic material is contained. Eukaryotes include protoctists, fungi, plants, and animals Compare prokaryote
[from eu- + karyo- + -ote as in zygote]
eukaryotic , eucaryotic [ˌjuːkærɪˈɒtɪk] adj
| eukaryote (y-kr-t) An organism whose cells contain a nucleus surrounded by a membrane and whose DNA is bound together by proteins (histones) into chromosomes. The cells of eukaryotes also contain an endoplasmic reticulum and numerous specialized organelles not present in prokaryotes, especially mitochondria, Golgi bodies, and lysosomes. The organelles are enclosed in a three-part membrane (called a unit membrane) consisting of a lipid layer sandwiched between two protein layers. All organisms except for bacteria and archaea are eukaryotes. Compare prokaryote. eukaryotic adjective |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | eukaryote - an organism with cells characteristic of all life forms except primitive microorganisms such as bacteria; i.e. an organism with `good' or membrane-bound nuclei in its cells organism, being - a living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently procaryote, prokaryote - a unicellular organism having cells lacking membrane-bound nuclei; bacteria are the prime example but also included are blue-green algae and actinomycetes and mycoplasma |
Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|