Definitions for macronucleusˌmæk roʊˈnu kli əs, -ˈnyu-

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Random House Webster's College Dictionary

mac•ro•nu•cle•usˌmæk roʊˈnu kli əs, -ˈnyu-(n.)

  1. the larger of the two types of nuclei in ciliate protozoans, functioning in cell metabolism.

    Category: Microbiology

    Ref: Compare micronucleus.

Origin of macronucleus:

1890–95

mac`ro•nu′cle•ar(adj.)

Wiktionary

  1. macronucleus(Noun)

    The larger the two nuclei present in ciliate protozoans; it controls the nonreproductive functions of the cell.

U.S. National Library of Medicine

  1. Macronucleus

    The larger of two types of nuclei in ciliate protozoans. It is the transcriptionally active nucleus of the vegetative cells as distinguished from the smaller transcriptionally inert GERMLINE MICRONUCLEUS.


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