PRONUCLEUS Meaning and
Definition
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A pronucleus refers to either of the two nuclei present in a fertilized egg or zygote, which are formed by the fusion of the male and female gametes during the process of fertilization. Each pronucleus carries one set of genetic material from either the sperm or the egg. These two haploid nuclei develop independently within the newly formed zygote before eventually fusing to form the diploid nucleus.
After the sperm penetrates the egg, the sperm pronucleus and the egg pronucleus move towards the center of the cell before they undergo a process called pronuclear migration. During this migration process, the pronuclei undergo a series of important developmental changes, including the synthesis and replication of DNA.
Following pronuclear migration, the two pronuclei approach each other and undergo pronuclear fusion, resulting in the formation of a single diploid nucleus. This fusion is a hallmark event in the early stages of embryogenesis, leading to the establishment of the genetic identity of the developing organism.
In conclusion, pronucleus is a term used to describe the distinct nuclei formed by the fusion of the male and female gametes during fertilization, which eventually merge to form the diploid nucleus necessary for proper embryonic development.
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One of two nuclei undergoing fusion in caryogamy. In embryology the nucleus of the spermatozoon, male p., or of the ovum, female p., after impregnation of the ovum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PRONUCLEUS
- oronucleus
- lronucleus
- -ronucleus
- 0ronucleus
- peonucleus
- pdonucleus
- pfonucleus
- ptonucleus
- p5onucleus
- p4onucleus
- prinucleus
- prknucleus
- prlnucleus
- prpnucleus
- pr0nucleus
- pr9nucleus
- probucleus
- promucleus
- projucleus
- pronuclwus
Etymology of PRONUCLEUS
The word "pronucleus" is derived from two roots: "pro-" and "nucleus".
1. The prefix "pro-" is derived from the Ancient Greek word "pro" (πρό), meaning "before" or "in front of". In English, this prefix is used to indicate something that is before, in front of, or prior to something else.
2. The word "nucleus" comes from the Latin word "nucleus", meaning "kernel" or "inner core". It was originally used to refer to the central part of a fruit, specifically the seed or pit. Over time, the term was adopted into the field of biology to refer to the central and most essential part of a cell, containing the genetic material.
When these roots are combined, "pronucleus" is formed, which refers to the nucleus that exists before fusion or fertilization.
Similar spelling words for PRONUCLEUS
- prancer,
- principle,
- praunus,
- princess pine,
- prongbuck,
- principal,
- princely,
- princewood,
- princeton,
- princess,
- principled,
- princedom,
- principe,
- Pringle,
- prince's pine.
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