pronucleus

American  

[proh-noo-klee-uhs, -nyoo-] / proʊˈnu kli əs, -ˈnyu- /

noun

Cell Biology.

plural

pronuclei

1. either of the gametic nuclei that unite in fertilization to form the nucleus of the zygote.

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pronucleus British  

/ ˌprəʊˈnjuːklɪəs /

noun

1. the nucleus of a mature ovum or spermatozoan before fertilization

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Etymology

Origin of pronucleus

From New Latin, dating back to 1875–80; see origin at pro- ¹, nucleus

Example Sentences

The egg is then exposed to a chemical that causes the remaining pronucleus to replicate, thus giving the cell a full complement of genes.

From Time Magazine Archive

First, its own head rapidly increases in size, and takes on the appearance of a cell-nucleus: this is called the male pronucleus.

From Darwin, and After Darwin (Vol. 1 and 3, of 3) An Exposition of the Darwinian Theory and a Discussion of Post-Darwinian Questions by Romanes, George John

In this way the centrosome approaches the female pronucleus, and thus finally the two nucleii are brought into close proximity.

From The Story of the Living Machine A Review of the Conclusions of Modern Biology in Regard to the Mechanism Which Controls the Phenomena of Living Activity by Conn, H. W. (Herbert William)

This accounts for the fact, which has been often observed, that the female pronucleus is not surrounded by protoplasmic radiations, whereas such radiations are present round the male pronucleus in its approach to the female.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various

Part of it is extruded, and part dissolved in the cell contents; only a very small part of it is left to form the basis of a fresh nucleus, the pronucleus femininus.

From The Evolution of Man — Volume 1 by Haeckel, Ernst Heinrich Philipp August