n. Any of various microorganisms of the domains Archaea and Bacteria, characterized by the absence of a distinct membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles and by the simultaneous occurrence of DNA transcription and protein synthesis at the same site, in contrast to eukaryotes. Also called moneran. [French procaryote : Greek pro-, before; see PRO-2 + Greek karuōtos, having nuts (from karuon, nut; see KARYO-).] pro·kar′y·otic (-ŏtĭk) adj. |
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