EUKARYOTE

any cell or organism that possesses a clearly defined nucleus; this description excludes bacteria and blue-green algae. The eukaryotic cell has a nuclear membrane, well-defined chromosomes (bodies containing the hereditary material), mitochondria (cellular energy exchangers), a Golgi apparatus (secretory device), an endoplasmic reticulum (a canal-like communication system within the cell), and lysosomes (digestive apparatus within many cell types). Compare prokaryote.