GAMETOCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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A gametocyte is a specialized reproductive cell that is found in certain organisms, particularly in animals and protozoa. It is a non-motile and non-dividing cell, and its primary function is to fuse with another gametocyte of the opposite sex during sexual reproduction to form a zygote. This process is essential for the production of offspring and genetic diversity within a population.
In animals, gametocytes are typically produced during the gametogenesis phase of sexual reproduction. They are derived from germ cells and undergo a series of developmental changes to become mature, functional gametes. In males, the gametocyte is called a spermato-gonium, which develops into a spermatozoan or sperm cell. In females, the gametocyte is called an oogonium, which develops into an ovum or egg cell.
In certain protozoa, such as Plasmodium species that cause malaria, gametocytes are an integral part of their life cycle. These parasites infect humans and reproduce within their red blood cells. When a mosquito bites an infected individual, it ingests the gametocytes along with the blood. Once inside the mosquito, these gametocytes go through further maturation and fertilization, leading to the formation of sporozoites, which are then injected into a new human host through the mosquito's saliva.
Overall, gametocytes play a fundamental role in the reproductive process of various organisms, ensuring the continuation of their species and the generation of genetic variation.
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A sexually differentiated sporont, the mother cell of a gamete.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GAMETOCYTE
Etymology of GAMETOCYTE
The word "gametocyte" has its etymology rooted in Greek. It can be broken down into two parts: "gameto-" and "-cyte".
The prefix "gameto-" comes from the Greek word "gametḗ" (γαμετή), meaning "a spouse" or "a husband". This root is derived from "gámos" (γάμος), which originally referred to a wedding or marriage.
The suffix "-cyte" also originates from Greek, specifically from the word "kýtos" (κύτος), meaning "a hollow vessel" or "container". It is often used to form nouns relating to cells or cellular components.
When combined together, "gametocyte" literally translates to "a cell or container of a spouse" or "a cell or container of a husband".
Similar spelling words for GAMETOCYTE
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