noun
- Plural of macronucleus; the larger of two nuclei found in ciliate protozoans, responsible for controlling metabolic and developmental functions.
Usage: biology; technical; plural form
Examples
- The macronucleuses in ciliate cells regulate gene expression and protein synthesis.
- Scientists observed multiple macronucleuses within the paramecium under the microscope.
- Unlike micronuclei, macronucleuses do not participate directly in sexual conjugation.
- The macronucleuses control the daily metabolic activities of the ciliate organism.