Archikaryon

/ˌɑːrkɪˈkæriən/ noun

Definition

In biology, a primitive or primary cell nucleus, especially in the context of evolutionary development.

Etymology

From Greek archi- (primitive, first) + karyon (nucleus, kernel). The term was developed in 19th-century cytology to describe what scientists theorized was the most basic nuclear structure.

Kelly Says

Just as archaeologists dig down to find the oldest human structures, biologists use 'archi-' terms to theoretically dig back through evolution to imagine what the first nuclei were like.

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