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Introduction to Prokaryotes definitions

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  • Prokaryote
    A cell type lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, found in domains Bacteria and Archaea.
  • Eukaryote
    A cell type possessing a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, found in domain Eukarya.
  • Bacteria
    A domain of prokaryotic, unicellular organisms with circular DNA and cell walls containing peptidoglycan.
  • Archaea
    A domain of prokaryotic, unicellular organisms with unique rRNA and cell walls lacking peptidoglycan.
  • Nucleus
    A membrane-bound structure in eukaryotic cells that houses linear DNA.
  • Organelle
    A specialized, membrane-bound structure within eukaryotic cells, absent in prokaryotes.
  • Nucleoid
    A region in prokaryotic cells where circular DNA is located, not surrounded by a membrane.
  • Binary Fission
    A simple cell division process used by prokaryotes to reproduce rapidly.
  • Ribosome
    A molecular machine present in all cells, responsible for protein synthesis; smaller in prokaryotes.
  • Peptidoglycan
    A unique molecule forming the bacterial cell wall, absent in archaea.
  • Extremophile
    An organism, often an archaeon, thriving in extreme environments like high heat or salinity.
  • Cell Membrane
    A boundary present in all cells, regulating the movement of substances in and out.
  • Unicellularity
    A condition where an organism consists of a single cell, characteristic of all prokaryotes.
  • Circular DNA
    A genetic material configuration found in prokaryotes, located in the nucleoid.
  • Domain
    The highest taxonomic rank, grouping life into Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.