monera
Definition
Noun 1. A taxonomic kingdom comprising prokaryotic organisms: In some biological classification systems, 'Monera' is the kingdom that includes all prokaryotes—organisms whose cells lack a distinct nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. This traditionally encompassed bacteria and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).
Usage Notes
- Historical/Legacy Term: The term 'Monera' is primarily used in historical or specific educational contexts. Modern taxonomy, based on genetic analysis, no longer recognizes Monera as a single kingdom. Prokaryotes are now classified into two distinct domains: Bacteria and Archaea.
- Informal Grouping: As noted in the reference, due to changing scientific consensus, 'Monera' and similar terms are often used as informal names for major divisions of life rather than formal taxonomic ranks.
Examples
- In older biology textbooks, life was often divided into five kingdoms: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, and Monera.
- The kingdom Monera includes diverse organisms, from beneficial soil bacteria to pathogenic species.
Advanced Usage
- Moneran (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of the kingdom Monera.
- Example: The moneran cell structure is fundamentally different from that of plants and animals.
Variants and Related Words
- Prokaryote (noun): The modern, more precise term for any organism belonging to the domains Bacteria or Archaea, characterized by the absence of a cell nucleus. This is the term favored in current scientific literature.
- Bacteria (noun): A major domain of prokaryotic microorganisms, many of which are studied within the former kingdom Monera.
- Cyanobacteria (noun): A phylum of bacteria that obtain energy via photosynthesis; formerly known as blue-green algae and classified under Monera.
Synonyms
- Prokaryotes (in the historical context)
- Bacterium (in a broad, non-technical sense)
Related Concepts
- Eukaryote: An organism whose cells contain a nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes. This is the fundamental contrast to organisms once grouped under Monera.
- Taxonomy: The science of classification. The changing status of 'Monera' exemplifies how taxonomic systems evolve with new scientific discoveries.
Noun
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prokaryotic bacteria and blue-green algae and various primitive pathogens; because of lack of consensus on how to divide the organisms into phyla informal names are used for the major divisions
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