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Which organisms have eukaryotic cells?
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cell
Artist's conception of a human neuron.
Eukaryotic cells are defined by the presence of a clearly defined nucleus enclosed within a nuclear membrane, as well as membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum.12
Organisms composed of eukaryotic cells are classified within the domain Eukarya and include the following major groups:
- Animals: Multicellular organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.13
- Plants: Primarily multicellular autotrophs that produce their own food through photosynthesis.13
- Fungi: Organisms that function mainly as decomposers, including mushrooms, molds, and yeasts.143
- Protists: A diverse group of organisms that may be unicellular or multicellular, including algae, amoebas, and paramecia.13
Unlike prokaryotes—which include the domains Bacteria and Archaea and lack a membrane-bound nucleus—eukaryotes possess complex cellular structures that allow for specialized functions and regulated gene expression.123