pronucleus
/proʊˈnʌkliəs/
noun
- The nucleus of a sperm or egg cell before they fuse during fertilization.
- The pronucleus contains half the genetic material needed for a new organism.
- In fertilization, the male pronucleus and female pronucleus combine to form a new cell.
- Scientists observed the pronucleus under a microscope to study early development.