macronucleus

American  

[mak-roh-noo-klee-uhs, -nyoo-] / ˌmæk roʊˈnu kli əs, -ˈnju- /

noun

Biology.

1. the larger of the two types of nuclei occurring in ciliate protozoans, having a multiple set of chromosomes and functioning in cell metabolism and protein synthesis.

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macronucleus British  

/ ˌmækrəʊˈnjuːklɪəs /

noun

1. the larger of the two nuclei in ciliated protozoans Compare micronucleus

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Other Word Forms

• macronuclear
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of macronucleus

From New Latin, dating back to 1890–95; see origin at macro-, nucleus

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

macronucleus

Inside are food vacuoles, a large macronucleus, and a small micronucleus.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

The micronucleus is essential for sexual reproduction, whereas the macronucleus directs asexual binary fission and all other biological functions.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

The clear spot to the right is the macronucleus, and the blobs are probably storage granules of some sort.

From Scientific American ● Oct. 17, 2013

For the throwing out of large quantities of DNA from the macronucleus of Oxytricha trifallax, see Doak, T. G. et al.

From New York Times ● Feb. 10, 2010

The macronucleus is double and consists of two elongate cylindrical masses lying parallel with one another.

From Marine Protozoa from Woods Hole Bulletin of the United States Fish Commission 21:415-468, 1901 by Gary N. (Gary Nathan) Calkins

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