eukaryote

eu·kar·y·ote also eu·car·y·ote  (y-kr-t, --t)

n.

A single-celled or multicellular organism whose cells contain a distinct membrane-bound nucleus.

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[eu- + Greek karutos, having nuts (from karuon, nut; see kar- in Indo-European roots).]

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eu·kary·otic (-tk) adj.

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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.

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eukaryotic adjective

Thesaurus

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 eucaryote 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