Meroblastic egg is a term used to describe the type of egg that undergoes partial cleavage during embryonic development. The IPA phonetic transcription for "meroblastic" is /mɛrəʊˈblæstɪk/, which breaks down to "MEH-roh-blas-tik". The word is spelled with a "mero-" prefix to indicate that the egg undergoes partial cleavage, and "blastic" suffix, which relates to cell division. Understanding the correct spelling and pronunciation of technical terms like "meroblastic egg" is essential for clear communication within the scientific community.
A meroblastic egg is a type of egg found in certain animals, including birds and reptiles, where only a portion of the egg is involved in the early stages of development. This type of egg is contrasting to a holoblastic egg, where the entire egg is involved in development.
In a meroblastic egg, the development of the embryo only occurs in a specialized area known as the blastodisc or germinal disc, which is a small disc-shaped region found on the surface of the yolk. The blastodisc contains all the necessary cells for the development of the embryo, including the germ layers and ultimately, the organs and structures of the developing organism.
The rest of the egg, known as the yolk, serves as a rich nutrient source that provides the necessary energy and nutrients for the developing embryo. It is essential for the growth and nourishment of the embryo until it reaches a stage where it can hatch or be born.
Meroblastic eggs are typically larger than holoblastic eggs, as they require a larger yolk for nourishment. The yolk is enclosed by a protective shell, which provides structural support and acts as a barrier against external threats.
Overall, the meroblastic egg represents an adaptation strategy to ensure the success of development in animals that produce large, nutrient-rich eggs.
One the yolk of which consists largely of nutrient material which does not enter directly into the formation of the embryo.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the term "meroblastic egg" can be broken down as follows:
1. Meroblastic: The word "meroblastic" is derived from the Greek roots "meros", meaning "part", and "blastos", meaning "germ" or "bud". In biology, the term "meroblastic" is used to describe a type of egg cleavage where only a portion of the egg cytoplasm undergoes division, resulting in the formation of a blastoderm.
2. Egg: The word "egg" has Old Norse origins, originating from the Old Norse word "egg", which meant "bird's egg". This term has been used for centuries to refer to the reproductive structure produced by females of many animals, including birds, reptiles, fish, and some mammals.