eukaryote

eukaryote /eu·kary·ote/ (u-kar´e-ot) an organism whose cells have a true nucleus bounded by a nuclear membrane within which lie the chromosomes; eukaryotic cells also contain many membrane-bound organelles in which cellular functions are performed. The cells of higher plants and animals, fungi, protozoa, and most algae are eukaryotic. Cf. prokaryote.

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eu·kar·y·ote or eu·car·y·ote (y-kr-t, --t)

n.

A single-celled or multicellular organism whose cells contain a distinct membrane-bound nucleus.

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eu·kary·otic (-tk) adj.

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eukaryote

an organism of the Eucaryotae, whose cells have a true nucleus bounded by a nuclear membrane and containing the chromosomes and which divide by mitosis. Eukaryotic cells also contain membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria, chloroplasts, lysosomes and the Golgi apparatus. Plants and animals, protozoa, fungi and algae (except blue-green algae) are eukaryotes. Other organisms (the bacteria) are prokaryotes.