PROTOPLAST Meaning and
Definition
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A protoplast refers to a cell that has its cell wall removed, resulting in its naked or undressed state. It is a term primarily applied to plant cells, but can also refer to certain bacterial or fungal cells. The removal of the cell wall is typically achieved through enzymatic treatments that break down the rigid structure. Once the cell wall is eliminated, the remaining cell membrane and its contents are referred to as the protoplast.
Protoplasts are an indispensable tool in various biological studies and applications. They have revolutionized plant biotechnology by allowing scientists to perform genetic manipulations that were previously unattainable. This includes the introduction of foreign DNA into the protoplasts via methods like transformation, enabling the creation of genetically modified plants. Protoplast fusion is another technique that uses protoplasts to combine the genetic material of different plant species or varieties to obtain desirable traits.
Protoplasts also play a crucial role in cell biology and physiology research. By isolating protoplasts from different tissues or organs, scientists can study their physiological processes and mechanisms in a controlled environment. Protoplasts are particularly useful for investigating cellular responses and interactions, as their lack of cell walls facilitates the exchange of molecules and signals between neighboring protoplasts.
Overall, protoplasts serve as valuable tools in plant and cell biology, offering insight into fundamental processes, and enabling advancements in areas such as genetic engineering, plant breeding, and biomedical research.
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1. The first individual of a type or race. 2. A protozoon or unicellular organism. 3. A differentiated area of cytoplasm, supposed to have a special function such as digestion.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The thing first formed, as a copy to be followed or imitated; the first individual, or pair of individuals, of a species.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PROTOPLAST
- orotoplast
- lrotoplast
- -rotoplast
- 0rotoplast
- peotoplast
- pdotoplast
- pfotoplast
- ptotoplast
- p5otoplast
- p4otoplast
- pritoplast
- prktoplast
- prltoplast
- prptoplast
- pr0toplast
- pr9toplast
- proroplast
- profoplast
- progoplast
Etymology of PROTOPLAST
The word "protoplast" is derived from the Greek roots "protos" which means "first" or "primary", and "plastos" meaning "molded" or "formed". In the context of biology, "protoplast" refers to the living contents of a cell, including the cytoplasm and nucleus, but excluding the cell wall. The term was coined in the mid-19th century to describe the cellular components that form the essential living part of a plant or bacterial cell.
Similar spelling words for PROTOPLAST
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