micronucleus

American  

[mahy-kroh-noo-klee-uhs, -nyoo-] / ˌmaɪ kroʊˈnu kli əs, -ˈnyu- /

noun

Biology.

plural

micronuclei

1. the smaller of the two types of nuclei occurring in ciliate protozoans.

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micronucleus British  

/ ˌmaɪkrəʊˈnjuːklɪəs /

noun

1. the smaller of two nuclei in ciliated protozoans, involved in reproduction Compare macronucleus

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Other Word Forms

• micronuclear adjective

Etymology

Origin of micronucleus

First recorded in 1890–95; micro- + nucleus

Example Sentences

In this study, the researchers focused on a structure known as a 'micronucleus'.

From Science Daily

If the algorithm detects a cell with a micronucleus, it sends the location to the microscope.

From Science Daily

When a micronucleus ruptures, the chromosome inside is left exposed.

From Science Daily

Figure 1 | The formation of a micronucleus.

From Nature

However, if any chromosomes lag behind the rest and are still in the middle of the dividing cell during telophase, they become isolated and can form a separate small nucleus called a micronucleus.

From Nature