ALECITHIC Meaning and
Definition
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Alecithic, an adjective originating from the combination of the prefix "a-" meaning "absence" or "without," and the term "lecithic" referring to the presence of yolk in an organism's egg, is a term used primarily in biology to describe eggs that lack yolk or possess very small amounts of it. This characteristic makes alecithic eggs distinct from other types of eggs, such as mesolecithic (moderate yolk) or macrolecithic (large yolk) eggs.
Alecithic eggs are commonly found in organisms such as amphibians and some species of invertebrates. Due to the absence or minimal presence of yolk, the alecithic eggs typically rely on alternative energy sources, such as nutrients provided by the parent organism or external food sources, to fuel embryonic development. These eggs usually exhibit a smaller size compared to yolk-rich eggs, as yolk serves as an energy reservoir for the developing embryo.
The alecithic nature of eggs influences various aspects of an organism's reproductive strategy and development. It often results in a higher number of eggs produced by the parent organism to compensate for the lack of yolk. Additionally, although alecithic eggs tend to have limited nutritional reserves, they may allow for faster embryonic development, enabling the offspring to reach a stage where they can sustain themselves earlier than organisms relying on larger yolk-rich eggs.
In conclusion, alecithic signifies the absence or scarcity of yolk in eggs and represents an essential characteristic in understanding the reproductive and developmental strategies of organisms that exhibit this particular egg type.
Common Misspellings for ALECITHIC
