PROKARYOTES Meaning and
Definition
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Prokaryotes are single-celled microorganisms that lack a cell nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. They belong to the domain bacteria and the domain archaea, constituting two of the three domains of life, with the third being eukaryotes. These organisms are known for having a simple cellular structure and being the most primitive forms of life on Earth.
The defining characteristic of prokaryotes is their lack of a nucleus. Instead of a well-defined nucleus, the genetic material, comprised of a circular DNA molecule, is present in a region of the cell called the nucleoid. Prokaryotes also lack membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus that are found in eukaryotic cells. Instead, they have simpler structures, such as ribosomes for protein synthesis and a plasma membrane for the regulation of molecules entering and exiting the cell.
Prokaryotes possess diverse metabolic capabilities and can be found in various habitats, including soil, water, and extreme environments like thermal vents and icy regions. They can obtain energy through different means, such as photosynthesis, chemosynthesis, and heterotrophic nutrition. Prokaryotes play crucial roles in the environment, functioning as decomposers, nutrient recyclers, and some even forming important symbiotic relationships with other organisms.
Understanding prokaryotes is essential as they serve as a model for studying the origins and mechanisms of life. They have also been extensively studied for their impact on human health, with some causing diseases while others being utilized in beneficial ways, like probiotics.
Common Misspellings for PROKARYOTES
Etymology of PROKARYOTES
The word "prokaryote" is derived from the Greek roots "pro-" meaning "before" or "primitive", and "karyon" meaning "nut" or "nucleus". The term was coined in 1937 by the Romanian American biologist Constantin Mălinescu to describe a group of single-celled organisms that lack a true nucleus, which are categorized as more primitive or simpler than eukaryotes.
Similar spelling words for PROKARYOTES
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