Prokaryote

An organism whose cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles characteristic of eukaryotic cells.

Prokaryotes include bacteria and archaea. Their genetic material is not enclosed within a membrane-bound nucleus, although it is organized within the cell.

Bacteria are prokaryotes and include both harmless or beneficial species and disease-causing species. Their cellular structure differs substantially from that of eukaryotes such as humans and fungi.

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