| karyokinesis | <biology> The indirect division of cells in which, prior to division of the cell protoplasm, complicated changes take place in the nucleus, attended with movement of the nuclear fibrils; opposed to karyostenosis. The nucleus becomes enlarged and convoluted, and finally the threads are separated into two groups which ultimately become disconnected and constitute the daughter nuclei. Synonym: mitosis. See Cell development, under Cell. Origin: NL, fr. Gr. A nut, kernel + to move. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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