Pronucleus (Noun)
Meaning
The nucleus of the ovum or sperm after fertilization but before they fuse to form the nucleus of the zygote.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- During fertilization, each reproductive cell contributes a pronucleus, which does not fuse immediately with the other.
- At the beginning of fertilization, both the male and female pronucleus are visible within the oocyte.
- After fertilization, the male and female pronuclei undergo a series of reactions that facilitate their subsequent fusion.
- Prior to zygote formation, both male and female gametes possess distinct pronucleus containing haploid set of chromosomes.
- Within a short period of fertilization, both pronuclei enter interphase of first mitosis cycle prior to eventual fusion into zygotic nucleus.