Akinete

/əˈkɪniːt/ noun

Definition

A resting cell or spore produced by certain algae and cyanobacteria as a survival mechanism during unfavorable conditions.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (without) + 'kinete' (from kinesis, movement); the term describes a cell that lacks movement and serves as a dormant stage.

Kelly Says

Akinetes are nature's emergency pod—when algae face starvation or freezing, they transform into thick-walled akinetes that can survive for years, then wake up when conditions improve!

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