eukaryote

Pronunciation: yū-kar′ē-ōt

Definition:

1. A cell containing a membrane-bound nucleus with chromosomes of DNA and proteins, generally large (10–100 mcm), with cell division involving a form of mitosis in which mitotic spindles (or some microtubule arrangement) are involved; mitochondria are present, and, in photosynthetic species, plastids are found; undulipodia (cilia or flagella) are of the complex 9+2 organization of microtubules and various proteins. Possession of an eukaryote type of cell characterizes the four kingdoms above the Monera or prokaryote level of complexity: Protoctista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia, combined into the superkingdom Eukaryotae.
2. Common name for members of the Eukaryotae.

Synonym(s): eucaryote

[eu- + G. karyon, kernel, nut]

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