Prokaryotes [Prokaryota; Pro- + Greek Karyon Kernel (Walnut)]

Prokaryotes [prokaryota; pro- + gr. karyon kernel (nut)] is the general name for unicellular organisms that have a single, usually ring-shaped strand of deoxyribonucleic acid and do not have a delimited nucleus and mitochondria. Prokaryotes include bacteria and blue-green algae. Prokaryotes differ from eukaryotes in the absence of a nucleus formed by a nuclear envelope. Their genetic material is represented by a circular DNA molecule and is not separated from the cytoplasm. Prokaryotes reproduce by simply dividing the cell in two. Prokaryotes play an important role in the cycle of substances in nature and participate in the formation of symbiotic relationships with other organisms. Many types of prokaryotes are used by humans in industry and agriculture. The study of prokaryotes is of great importance for medicine, biotechnology and other fields.

Prokaryotes are the kingdom of living things that includes bacteria and blue-green algae - single-celled organisms without a nucleus, but with their own genetic material. Archaeal and eukaryotic cells also belong to this kingdom. The total number of species is more than 2 million. Prokaryotes can be eubacteria or prokaryotic fungi. Eukaryotic single-celled organisms are the simplest forms of life. They include some species of algae, flatworms and protozoa that have contractile vacuoles or centrioles.

Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms that have found application in various fields of science and industry. In agriculture they are used to produce food products from plant residues such as sourdough and lactic acid. In medicine, bacteria are used to produce antibiotics and probiotics, as well as to develop vaccines against dangerous diseases. Bacteria are also used in food, beverage and feed production