Prokaryote
Prokaryote
Prokaryote (pronounced: pro-kar-yoat) is a term used in biology to describe a group of organisms whose cells lack a nucleus and other organelles. The term comes from the Greek words pro, meaning "before", and karyon, meaning "kernel" or "nut", referring to the nucleus.
Etymology
The term "prokaryote" was first proposed by Hans Ris in 1967. It is derived from the Greek words pro, meaning "before", and karyon, meaning "kernel" or "nut". This refers to the fact that prokaryotic cells were likely the first type of life to evolve on Earth, before the more complex eukaryotic cells.
Characteristics
Prokaryotes are typically unicellular organisms, although some species form colonies. They are characterized by their lack of a nucleus and other organelles, which are present in eukaryotic cells. Instead, their genetic material is contained in a single, circular DNA molecule located in the cytoplasm.
Classification
Prokaryotes are divided into two domains: Bacteria and Archaea. These two groups were once classified together as a single kingdom, Monera, but are now recognized as distinct due to differences in their genetic material and cell structure.
Related Terms
- Eukaryote: An organism whose cells contain a nucleus and other organelles.
- Cell: The basic structural and functional unit of all known living organisms.
- DNA: The molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses.
- Cytoplasm: The material within a living cell, excluding the cell nucleus.
- Bacteria: A type of biological cell.
- Archaea: A domain and kingdom of single-celled microorganisms.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Prokaryote
- Wikipedia's article - Prokaryote
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