eukaryote

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eukaryote

eukaryote , a cell or organism composed of cells that have a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles (mitochondria, chloroplasts; see cell , in biology) and genetic material organized in chromosomes in which the DNA is combined with histone proteins. Eukaryotes are contrasted with the prokaryotes (see Monera ). Eukaryotes formed through the merger of prokaryotes, which predate them in the fossil record by some 2 billion years. In the five-kingdom system of classification , the eukaryotes have comprised the taxonomic kingdoms Protista , Fungi , Plantae (see plant ), and Animalia (see animal ). In a recently proposed system they are called the eukarya and classified as an overarching group (domain) above the kingdom level.

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eukaryote

A Dictionary of Biology | 2004 | Â© A Dictionary of Biology 2004, originally published by Oxford University Press 2004. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

eukaryote (eucaryote) An organism consisting of cells in which the genetic material is contained within a distinct nucleus. All organisms except bacteria are eukaryotes. See Eukarya. Compare prokaryote.

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