noun
- an organism whose cells contain a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, including animals, plants, fungi, and protists
Usage: biology term; contrasts with prokaryote
Examples
- Humans are eukaryotes because our cells have a nucleus.
- All animals and plants are eukaryotes with complex cellular structures.
- Eukaryotes evolved from simpler prokaryotic organisms billions of years ago.
- The mitochondria found in eukaryotes produce energy for the cell.
- Unlike bacteria, eukaryotes have their DNA enclosed within a nuclear membrane.