prokaryotic

[ proh-kar-ee-ot-ik ]

adjective

, Biology.

1. of or relating to a prokaryote, a cellular organism that has no nuclear membrane and no organelles in the cytoplasm except ribosomes:

   According to one book, the key to evolution is symbiotic invasions—such as mitochondria and other organelles invading prokaryotic cells to create eukaryotic cells.

Word History and Origins

Origin of prokaryotic¹

First recorded in 1955–60; prokaryot(e) ( def ) + -ic ( def )

Example Sentences

When compared to modern organisms, the microfossils more closely resembled a type of algae than simpler prokaryotic life -- organisms like bacteria, for example -- that existed prior to the Great Oxidation Event, the scientists said.

From Science Daily

In fact, researchers now believe that the eukaryote genome was itself the result of a fusion of two prokaryotic genomes.

From Salon

With it, Woese compiled evidence for a major new form of single-celled, prokaryotic life, Archaea, from which we may have descended.

From Scientific American

The initial sequencing of genomes from two species of red algae called Cyanidiophyceae had indicated that up to 6% of their DNA had a prokaryotic origin.

From Science Magazine

Margulis has summarized the now considerable body of data indicating that the modern nucleated cell was made up, part by part, by the coming together of just such prokaryotic animals.

From Literature