micronucleus
/ˌmaɪkroʊˈnukliəs/
noun
- A small, extra nucleus found in some single-celled organisms, involved in reproduction.
- Scientists studied the micronucleus to understand how the organism passes on traits.
- The micronucleus contains the cell's genetic material for sexual reproduction.
- In paramecia, the micronucleus is responsible for genetic exchange during conjugation.