blastomere: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/Very TechnicalExclusively scientific/technical, used in embryology, developmental biology, and reproductive medicine.
Quick answer
What does “blastomere” mean?
A cell formed by the cleavage of a fertilized ovum during early embryonic development.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cell formed by the cleavage of a fertilized ovum during early embryonic development.
In developmental biology, blastomeres are the totipotent or pluripotent cells of a cleavage-stage embryo (morula) that will contribute to the formation of the blastocyst and subsequently the embryo proper and extraembryonic tissues.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
Purely technical, with no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “blastomere” in a Sentence
N of N (a blastomere of the 8-cell embryo)Adj N (an isolated blastomere)N V (blastomeres divide)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blastomere” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- Each blastomere at this stage retains the potential to form a complete embryo.
- The biopsy carefully removed a single blastomere for genetic analysis.
- Unequal division can result in blastomeres of differing sizes.
American English
- Researchers tracked the fate of every blastomere in the developing zebrafish embryo.
- The procedure involves gently aspirating one blastomere from the embryo.
- In many mammals, blastomeres become compacted to form a morula.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in textbooks, research papers, and lectures on embryology and assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
The definitive context. Used in lab protocols (e.g., for preimplantation genetic diagnosis), scientific discussions, and clinical embryology reports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blastomere”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blastomere”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blastomere”
- Using 'blastomere' to refer to cells in later embryonic stages (e.g., gastrula).
- Misspelling as 'blastomer' or 'blastomeer'.
- Using it as a general term for any stem cell.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In the earliest stages (e.g., 2-8 cell), they are considered totipotent and morphologically similar. However, in many species, cytoplasmic determinants are unevenly distributed, leading to early differences in developmental fate.
A blastomere is an individual cell within the early solid ball of cells (morula). A blastocyst is a later, hollow structure formed when blastomeres differentiate into an outer trophoblast layer and an inner cell mass.
In some species and at very early stages (e.g., 2-4 cell), a single isolated blastomere can indeed develop into a complete, viable embryo, demonstrating its totipotency. This is the basis for artificial embryo twinning.
No, the term is specific to animal embryology. The analogous process in plants involves different structures and terminology.
A cell formed by the cleavage of a fertilized ovum during early embryonic development.
Blastomere is usually exclusively scientific/technical, used in embryology, developmental biology, and reproductive medicine. in register.
Blastomere: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblastə(ʊ)mɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblæstəˌmɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BLAST' (as in an explosive start of life) + 'MERE' (a small part). A blastomere is a mere, small part created in the explosive initial cell divisions after fertilization.
Conceptual Metaphor
BUILDING BLOCKS OF LIFE. Blastomeres are conceptualized as the fundamental, identical-looking blocks from which the complex embryo is constructed.
Practice
Quiz
What is a blastomere?