eukaryabasic

Eukaryabasic is a theoretical concept used to describe the minimal set of features required for a eukaryotic cell. It serves as a framework in discussions of eukaryogenesis, minimal cell design, and synthetic biology, rather than as a known, naturally occurring organism.

Core features attributed to the concept include a defined nucleus with a nuclear envelope, an endomembrane system such as the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and a cytoskeleton that supports cellular shape and transport. A mitochondrion (or an equivalent organelle) for energy production is considered essential, along with vesicular trafficking machinery and a system of membrane-bound organelles. The genome in a eukaryabasic model is organized into linear chromosomes within a nucleus and relies on eukaryotic transcription and RNA processing pathways. Ribosomes, introns, and a repertoire of chaperones support the translation and folding of a diverse proteome. Basic metabolic pathways and regulatory networks enable growth, replication, and response to the environment.

Origins and use in literature often position eukaryabasic as a minimal reference point to estimate how much cellular complexity must arise to support features such as compartmentalization, endomembrane traffic, and organelle function. It is used to frame debates about the sequence of evolutionary innovations, as well as to guide hypothetical designs in synthetic biology. In current scientific practice, eukaryabasic remains a conceptual tool rather than a described living entity.