eukaryote

American  

[yoo-kar-ee-oht, -ee-uht] / yuˈkær iˌoʊt, -i ət /

Sometimes eucaryote

noun

Microbiology.

1. any organism of the domain Eukaryota, having as its fundamental structural unit a cell type that contains specialized organelles in the cytoplasm, a membrane-bound nucleus enclosing genetic material organized into chromosomes, and an elaborate system of division by mitosis or meiosis, characteristic of all life forms except bacteria and other primitive microorganisms.

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eukaryote British  

/ juːˈkærɪˌɒt, ˌjuːkærɪˈɒtɪk /

noun

1. 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

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eukaryote Scientific  

/ yo̅o̅-kăr′ē-ōt /

1. 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.

2. Compare prokaryote

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eukaryote Cultural  

1. An organism whose cells contain a nucleus. All multicelled organisms are eukaryotes, as is one superkingdom of single-celled organisms. Eukaryotes also have organelles enclosed by membranes. (Compare prokaryote.)

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Discover More

The word eukaryote comes from the Greek for “true nucleus.”

Eukaryotes evolved in a process in which one early prokaryote consumed another, forming a more complex structure.

Other Word Forms

• eucaryotic adjective
• eukaryotic adjective

Etymology

Origin of eukaryote

First recorded in 1960–65; Eukaryota ( def. )

Example Sentences

His long-term goal is to clarify how giant viruses and eukaryotes evolved and to create educational materials that improve virus literacy.

From Science Daily

That merger eventually gave rise to plants, animals, and fungi, collectively known as eukaryotes.

From Science Daily

The researchers examined more than one hundred gene families across multiple biological systems and focused on the traits that separate eukaryotes from prokaryotes.

From Science Daily

"As a group, fungi are much older than previously imagined. It's highly likely that they were already around over a billion years ago, making them one of the oldest major groups of eukaryotes," said Ocaña.

From Science Daily

The findings reveal that the planet's tectonic plates were far from still, driving changes that produced oxygen-rich seas and the emergence of early eukaryotes -- organisms that would eventually give rise to plants, animals, and fungi.

From Science Daily