Cystocyte

Pronunciation
/SIS-tee-syeet/
Category
General Biology
Singular
Cystocyte
Plural
Cystocytes

Definition

A large, polyploid cell that forms part of a cluster of interconnected cells called a cyst, and will eventually differentiate into either an oocyte or a nurse cell. Though studied in other organisms, this term is not commonly used in the context of entomology and arachnology.

Etymology

From Greek 'cyst' meaning 'bladder', and 'cyte' meaning 'cell'.

Example

The cystocytes in the developing ovarian follicle are interconnected by ring canals, allowing for rapid exchange of cytoplasmic material.

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