microsome: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low Frequency (C2)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “microsome” mean?
A minute particle or vesicle derived from the endoplasmic reticulum of a cell after disruption of the cell during laboratory preparation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A minute particle or vesicle derived from the endoplasmic reticulum of a cell after disruption of the cell during laboratory preparation.
A small granule, particularly one in the cytoplasm of a cell or a subcellular fraction used in biochemical studies. It is not a pre-existing cellular structure but an artifact of cell homogenization.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; spelling and pronunciation are consistent. It is a standard international scientific term.
Connotations
Neutral scientific term in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside specific biochemical/medical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “microsome” in a Sentence
The N [is derived from/v] the endoplasmic reticulum.Scientists isolated/studied/analyzed/prepared the N.The N fraction was used for the assay.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “microsome” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tissue was homogenised and then microsomed to isolate the fraction.
- Researchers attempted to microsome the cellular contents.
American English
- The tissue was homogenized and then microsomed to isolate the fraction.
- The protocol describes how to microsome the sample.
adverb
British English
- The proteins were localised microsomally.
American English
- The proteins were localized microsomally.
adjective
British English
- The microsomal preparation showed high enzymatic activity.
- Microsomal cytochrome P450 is crucial for drug metabolism.
American English
- The microsomal preparation showed high enzymatic activity.
- Microsomal studies are standard in toxicology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Exclusively used in advanced biochemistry, cell biology, pharmacology, and toxicology research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in laboratory techniques involving cell fractionation and metabolic studies (e.g., drug metabolism via cytochrome P450 in liver microsomes).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “microsome”
- Using 'microsome' to refer to a living organelle (it is an artifact).
- Pronouncing it as /ˈmaɪkrəsʌm/ (incorrect stress and vowel).
- Misspelling as 'microsume' or 'microsom'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an artificial vesicle formed from the fragments of the endoplasmic reticulum when cells are broken apart in the laboratory.
It is a standard term in biochemistry, cell biology, pharmacology, and toxicology, specifically in studies of enzyme activity and drug metabolism.
In modern precise scientific usage, no. It has a very specific technical meaning. In older or non-scientific texts, such usage might be found but is considered outdated and imprecise.
They are used as an in vitro system to study the metabolic functions normally performed by the endoplasmic reticulum, such as protein synthesis, lipid metabolism, and particularly the detoxification of drugs via cytochrome P450 enzymes.
A minute particle or vesicle derived from the endoplasmic reticulum of a cell after disruption of the cell during laboratory preparation.
Microsome is usually technical/scientific in register.
Microsome: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌɪkrə(ʊ)səʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪkroʊˌsoʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MICROSCOPE looking at a tiny, soap-like bubble (SOME). A MICROSOME is a tiny, bubble-like vesicle you study under a microscope after breaking a cell.
Conceptual Metaphor
The cell as a factory: Microsomes are like broken-off fragments of the assembly line (endoplasmic reticulum) that can still perform some of their original functions in a test tube.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'microsome' primarily derived from?