Eukaryote
Eukaryote
Eukaryote (pronounced: yoo-KAR-ee-oht) is a term used in biology to describe a type of cell that contains a nucleus. The term is derived from the Greek words 'eu', meaning 'true', and 'karyon', meaning 'kernel' or 'nut', referring to the nucleus.
Etymology
The term "Eukaryote" was first coined in 1937 by the French biologist Edouard Chatton. It is derived from the Greek words 'eu', meaning 'true', and 'karyon', meaning 'kernel' or 'nut', referring to the nucleus.
Definition
Eukaryotes are organisms whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within membranes, unlike Prokaryotes, which are unicellular organisms that do not have a membrane-bound nucleus. Eukaryotes can be single-celled or multi-celled organisms and include animals, plants, and fungi.
Characteristics
Eukaryotic cells are typically much larger than those of prokaryotes. They have a variety of internal membranes and structures, called organelles, and a cytoskeleton composed of microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments, which play an important role in defining the cell's organization and shape.
Classification
Eukaryotes are classified into three main groups: Animalia, Plantae, and Fungi. Each of these groups is further divided into smaller groups, known as phyla (singular: phylum), based on specific shared characteristics.
Related Terms
- Prokaryote: A unicellular organism that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus.
- Organelle: A specialized subunit within a cell that has a specific function.
- Nucleus: A membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells that contains the cell's genetic material.
- Cell: The basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known living organisms.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Eukaryote
- Wikipedia's article - Eukaryote
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