prokaryote

[ proh-kar-ee-oht, -ee-uht ]

noun

, Biology.

1. any cellular organism that has no nuclear membrane, no organelles in the cytoplasm except ribosomes, and has its genetic material in the form of single continuous strands forming coils or loops, characteristic of all organisms in the kingdom Monera, as the bacteria.

prokaryote

/ prəʊˈkærɪɒt; prəʊˌkærɪˈɒtɪk /

noun

1. any organism having cells in each of which the genetic material is in a single DNA chain, not enclosed in a nucleus. Bacteria and archaeans are prokaryotes Compare eukaryote

prokaryote

/ prō-kăr′ē-ōt′ /

1. Any of a wide variety of one-celled organisms of the kingdom Monera (or Prokaryota) that are the most primitive and ancient known forms of life. Prokaryotes lack a distinct cell nucleus and their DNA is not organized into chromosomes. They also lack the internal structures bound by membranes called organelles, such as mitochondria. At the molecular level, prokaryotes differ from eukaryotes in the structure of their lipids and of certain metabolic enzymes, and in how genes are expressed for protein synthesis. Prokaryotes reproduce asexually and include the bacteria and blue-green algae.
2. Also called moneran
3. Compare eukaryoteSee Table at taxonomy

Derived Forms

• prokaryotic, adjective

Other Words From

• pro·kar·y·ot·ic pro·car·y·ot·ic [proh-kar-ee-, ot, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prokaryote¹

First recorded in 1960–65; from French procaryote, from New Latin Prokaryota (neuter plural), from Greek pro- prefix + Greek káry(on) “nut” + -ote ( def ); pro- ², Eukaryota

Word History and Origins

Origin of prokaryote¹

from pro- ² + karyo- + -ote as in zygote

Example Sentences

Now, in bacteria — which are a type of prokaryote, or single-celled organism — a lot of evolution happens by horizontal gene transfer.

From Salon

Thus, to her, “The cave bacterium is another example for a prokaryote with a transient multicellular stage.”

From Science Magazine

Researchers who have deposited and published the DNA sequence of a possible new prokaryote file an application through the SeqCode website, no cultures required.

From Science Magazine

A eukaryote engulfed a prokaryote, and instead of digesting it, they started working together.

From Salon

As a new model prokaryote—and a potential maker of medicines and other compounds— the team offers Vibrio natriegens, a salt marsh denizen that is the fastest-growing bacterium known.

From Science Magazine