noun
- the nucleus of a sperm or egg cell after fertilization but before the nuclei fuse to form the nucleus of the zygote
Usage: biology
Examples
- The male and female pronuclei move toward each other after fertilization.
- Scientists observed the pronucleus formation under the microscope.
- Each pronucleus contains half the genetic material needed for development.
- The fusion of pronuclei marks the beginning of embryonic development.
- Researchers studied pronucleus behavior in fertilized eggs.
- The pronucleus stage lasts only a few hours in most mammals.