MONERAN

any of the bacteria (eubacteria and archaebacteria), prokaryotic organisms (organisms without distinct nuclei) considered to constitute the kingdom Monera. The monerans are distinct from eukaryotic organisms because of the structure and chemistry of their cells. As prokaryotes, they lack the definite nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (specialized cellular parts) of eukaryotic organisms. They reproduce principally by transverse binary fission, although transfer of DNA among bacteria is known and forms the basis of recombinant DNA technology. See archaebacterium; bacterium.