vacuolated
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: * Formed into or containing one or more vacuoles. A vacuole is a small, membrane-bound cavity or compartment within a cell, often used for storage, digestion, or waste removal.
Usage
The adjective "vacuolated" is used in cell biology to describe the state or appearance of a cell that contains vacuoles. It is a technical, descriptive term. * It typically modifies nouns like "cell," "cytoplasm," or "tissue." * It describes an observable characteristic under a microscope.
Examples
- Under the microscope, the plant cell appeared highly vacuolated, with a large central vacuole occupying most of its volume.
- The vacuolated cytoplasm of the protozoan contained several food vacuoles.
- As the cell aged, it became more vacuolated, a sign of changing metabolic activity.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used in comparative forms (e.g., "more vacuolated," "less vacuolated") to describe differences between cells or changes over time.
- It is often found in scientific literature, lab reports, and textbooks describing cellular morphology.
Variants and Related Words
- Vacuole (noun): The membrane-bound organelle itself.
- The vacuole stores water and nutrients.
- Vacuolation (noun): The process of forming vacuoles, or the state of being vacuolated.
- The vacuolation of the cell increased during the experiment.
Synonyms
- Vesiculated (containing vesicles, though vesicles are generally smaller than vacuoles)
- Alveolated (containing small cavities or pits, used in some biological contexts)
Antonyms
- Non-vacuolated
- Dense (referring to cytoplasm without apparent vacuoles)
Adjective
- formed into or containing one or more vacuoles or small membrane-bound cavities within a cell