A single-celled organism that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. The genetic material is freely suspended in the cytoplasm.
From Greek 'pro' meaning 'before' and 'karyon' meaning 'nut' or 'kernel' (referring to the nucleus). Coined in 1962 by biologist Édouard Chatton to distinguish these primitive cells from more complex eukaryotic cells.
Prokaryotes are actually the most successful life forms on Earth! They've been around for 3.8 billion years and can survive in extreme environments where no other life exists, from boiling hot springs to frozen Antarctic rocks.
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