PROTOERYTHROCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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A protoerythrocyte refers to an immature or developing red blood cell (erythrocyte) that originates from erythroblast precursor cells in the bone marrow. It is an early stage in the process of erythropoiesis, the production of red blood cells.
During erythropoiesis, the hematopoietic stem cells differentiate into erythroblasts, which subsequently go through several stages of maturation before becoming fully functional red blood cells. The initial stage of differentiation is characterized by the formation of proerythroblasts, which then develop into the next stage known as the basophilic erythroblast. Further maturation leads to the formation of the polychromatophilic erythroblast, which eventually transforms into a reticulocyte. The reticulocyte then enters the bloodstream and undergoes the final maturation steps, including the loss of its nucleus, to become a mature red blood cell.
Protoerythrocytes, being in an early stage of development, have a larger size and more basophilic appearance compared to mature red blood cells. They contain a nucleus, which is a defining characteristic distinguishing them from true erythrocytes. The nucleus enables them to carry out transcription and protein synthesis required for further differentiation. As protoerythrocytes mature, their nucleus becomes smaller and more condensed until it is eventually expelled.
In summary, a protoerythrocyte refers to a developing red blood cell that retains its nucleus and is in the initial stages of erythropoiesis.
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A primitive erythroblast with trachychromatic nucleus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PROTOERYTHROCYTE
- protoerythrocyue
- protoerythrocytu
- protoerythrocytm
- protoerythrocyta
- protoerythrocytg
- protwoerythrocyte
- pr otoerythrocyte
- pro toerythrocyte
- prot oerythrocyte
- proto erythrocyte
- protoe rythrocyte
- protoer ythrocyte
- protoery throcyte
- protoeryt hrocyte
- protoeryth rocyte
- protoerythr ocyte
- protoerythro cyte
- protoerythroc yte
- protoerythrocy te
- protoerythrocyt e
Etymology of PROTOERYTHROCYTE
The word "protoerythrocyte" is derived from two main components: "proto-" and "erythrocyte".
1. "Proto-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "prótos", meaning "first" or "preliminary". It is commonly used in scientific terminology to denote a stage that is prior, earliest, or initial.
2. "Erythrocyte" comes from the Greek words "erythros", meaning "red", and "kytos", meaning "cell". It refers to the red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
Therefore, the term "protoerythrocyte" is used to describe the earliest or precursor stage of a red blood cell, before it fully matures into an erythrocyte.
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