Eukaryote

An organism whose cells possess a nucleus and other membrane-bound vesicles, including all members of the protist, fungi, plant and animal kingdoms; and excluding viruses, bacteria, and blue-green algae. See Prokaryote.

One of the two major evolutionary clades, characterized by having the nucleus enclosed by a membrane, and possessing chromosomes that undergo mitosis and meiosis. Eukaryotic organisms include animals, plants, fungi and some algae. See: prokaryote.

Organism whose cells have (1) chromosomes with nucleosomal structure and are separated from the cytoplasm by a two-membrane nuclear envelope, and (2) compartmentalization of functions in distinct cytoplasmic organelles. Contrast prokaryotes (bacteria and cyanobacteria).

Cell or organism with membrane-bound, structurally discrete nucleus and other well-developed subcellular compartments. Eukaryotes include all organisms except viruses, bacteria, and bluegreen algae. See also: prokaryote, chromosome.