MELANOPHORE Meaning and
Definition
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Melanophore is a term used in biology to describe a specialized pigment-containing cell found in the skin of animals, particularly in fish, amphibians, and reptiles. These cells play an important role in the coloration and patterns exhibited by these organisms.
Melanophores are responsible for producing and distributing melanin, a pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, feathers, and eyes. The amount and distribution of melanin produced by these cells are controlled by a variety of factors, including hormonal and neural signals from the animal's environment or internal state.
In response to certain stimuli, such as changes in light, temperature, or hormonal levels, melanophores can undergo a process called melanosome dispersion or agglomeration. During dispersion, the melanin-containing granules within the melanophores disperse throughout the cell, resulting in a darker appearance of the skin or tissue. Conversely, agglomeration involves the clustering of these granules towards the center of the cell, leading to a lighter coloration.
The ability of melanophores to alter their pigment distribution allows animals to undergo rapid changes in skin coloration, which can serve a variety of purposes. These include camouflage, communication, thermoregulation, and even defense against predators. Melanophores are a fascinating area of study in the field of biology as they showcase the intricate and dynamic mechanisms employed by living organisms to adapt and survive in their environments.
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A black pigment bearing cell.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MELANOPHORE
- nelanophore
- kelanophore
- jelanophore
- mwlanophore
- mslanophore
- mdlanophore
- mrlanophore
- m4lanophore
- m3lanophore
- mekanophore
- mepanophore
- meoanophore
- melznophore
- melsnophore
- melwnophore
- melqnophore
- melabophore
- melamophore
- melajophore
- melahophore
Etymology of MELANOPHORE
The word "Melanophore" is of Greek origin. It is derived from two Greek words: "melas", meaning black, and "phoros", meaning to bear or carry. Therefore, "Melanophore" literally translates to "black-bearer" or "black-carrying". This term is often used in biology to refer to specialized cells or pigment-containing cells responsible for the production and transportation of melanin, which is the dark pigment responsible for coloring the skin, hair, and eyes in animals.
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