noun
- a multinucleate mass of cytoplasm that is not divided into separate cells
Usage: biology
Examples
- The fungal mycelium consists of branching coenocytes rather than individual cells.
- Many algae exist as coenocytes with multiple nuclei sharing the same cytoplasm.
- The coenocyte structure allows for rapid transport of nutrients throughout the organism.
- Scientists studied the coenocyte to understand how multiple nuclei coordinate cellular functions.
- Unlike typical plant cells, this species forms a large coenocyte during its reproductive phase.
- The coenocyte’s lack of cell walls between nuclei facilitates efficient metabolic processes.