blastomere
/ˈblæstəˌmɪr/
noun
- A cell formed by the early divisions of a fertilized egg, before the embryo takes shape.
- In the lab, scientists observed how each blastomere divides to form the early embryo.
- Damage to a single blastomere can sometimes affect the development of the entire organism.
- The first few blastomeres are identical, but they soon begin to specialize.