What's Does Prokaryote Mean?

A prokaryote is a unicellular organism that lacks a nuclear membrane-enclosed nucleus. The word prokaryote comes from the Greek πρό and κάρυον. In the two-empire system arising from the work of Édouard Chatton, prokaryotes were classified within the empire Prokaryota.

What does prokaryote literally mean?

A prokaryote is a single-celled organism that doesn't have a nucleus. ... The word prokaryote is rooted in Greek — it combines the word pro, "before," with karyon, "nut or kernel."

What is a simple definition of prokaryotic?

Prokaryote, also spelled procaryote, any organism that lacks a distinct nucleus and other organelles due to the absence of internal membranes. Bacteria are among the best-known prokaryotic organisms. The lack of internal membranes in prokaryotes distinguishes them from eukaryotes. ... Some prokaryotes have flagella.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.