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Glite Dictionary
🧬 Extra cell nucleus 🔬 A small nucleus
micronucleus

micronucleus

1 9.0
A small part inside some single-celled organisms that holds genes for sexual reproduction
  • noun
  • /ˌmaɪkroʊˈnjuːkliəs/
  • Specialized
: micronúcleo
  • The micronucleus plays a crucial role in genetic exchange.

Examples

  • Scientists observed changes in the micronucleus under the microscope after the experiment.

  • During conjugation, the micronucleus undergoes division and exchange between cells.

  • The micronucleus contains the genetic material needed for sexual reproduction in ciliates.

  • Researchers study the micronucleus in various protozoa.

  • During the process of reproduction, the single-celled organism forms a new micronucleus to exchange genetic material.

  • In certain eukaryotic organisms, the micronucleus is crucial for reproductive processes and genetic variation.

  • When the organism undergoes sexual reproduction, the micronucleus is involved in the exchange of genetic material with another cell.

Surface Forms

micronucleus singular
micronuclei plural

Morphology

micronucleus = nucleus (transparent) = micro + nucleus

The meaning is directly compositional: 'micro-' means small and 'nucleus' refers to a nucleus, so the whole word transparently denotes a small nucleus.

Etymology

Micronucleus comes from the parts micro- ('small') and nucleus ('core' or 'center'), like microphone uses micro- to mean 'small'. In single-celled organisms it is a small second nucleus used in reproduction and genetic exchange, so the name shows it is a 'small nucleus' for reproductive work.