The spelling of the word "macromere" is based on its pronunciation, which is /ˈmæk.rə.mɪər/. The first syllable "macro-" refers to something large, while the second syllable "mere" can be pronounced as /mɪr/ or /mɪər/ depending on the dialect. The word "macromere" is commonly used in embryology to describe a large embryonic cell that later divides into smaller cells. Its spelling and pronunciation are crucial to accurately convey scientific information.
A macromere is a term commonly used in embryology and developmental biology to describe a large cell or blastomere resulting from the process of cell division during the early stages of development in certain organisms. It refers to a specific cell or blastomere that is larger in size compared to the other cells or blastomeres within the developing embryo.
During early embryonic development, the fertilized egg or zygote undergoes numerous rounds of cell division, known as cleavage. As the cells divide, they become smaller in size due to the distribution of cytoplasmic contents. However, macromeres are exceptions to this rule, as they remain larger in size due to a higher concentration or uneven distribution of certain molecules or organelles.
Typically, macromeres are observed in specific stages or clades of organisms, such as certain groups of marine invertebrates or some species of insects. These larger cells play crucial roles in the subsequent development of the embryo, as they develop into specific structures or tissues that are essential for proper embryo formation.
The presence of macromeres can have important implications for understanding the developmental processes and patterns observed in different organisms. By studying the size, distribution, and fate of macromeres, scientists gain valuable insights into the mechanisms and regulation of embryonic development, as well as the evolutionary relationships between different species.
A blastomere of large size.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "macromere" derives from the combination of two Greek roots: "macro-" meaning large or long, and "meros" meaning part. "Macromeres" refer to the larger cells found in certain developing embryos, being more involved in the development of the organism. The term was coined based on the descriptive nature of the cells as larger parts within the embryo.