PROKARYOTE


Meaning of PROKARYOTE in English

n.

Any cellular organism that lacks a distinct nucleus .

Bacteria (including blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria ) are prokaryotes; all other organisms are eukaryote s. Prokaryotic cells lack a nuclear membrane and most of the components of eukaryotic cells. The cytoplasm includes ribosomes that carry out protein synthesis and a double-stranded DNA chromosome, usually circular. Many prokaryotes also contain additional circular DNA molecules called plasmids. The flagella are distinct from those of eukaryotes in design and movement.

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.