Prokaryote (Noun)
Meaning
A unicellular organism having cells lacking membrane-bound nuclei; bacteria are the prime example but also included are blue-green algae and actinomycetes and mycoplasma.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- Prokaryotes are incredibly diverse, ranging from tiny mycoplasma that are smaller than most viruses to massive forms of cyanobacteria.
- The majority of prokaryotes are beneficial to humans, providing essential services such as breaking down organic matter and producing antibiotics.
- These early prokaryotes lived about 3.5 billion years ago and were the first forms of life on Earth.
- The cell walls of prokaryotes are composed of a tough layer of peptidoglycan, which provides structural support and maintains the cell's shape.
- In contrast to eukaryotes, prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles and a true nucleus, which makes them much simpler than other types of cells.