extranuclear

[ ek-struh-noo-klee-er, -nyoo-or, by metathesis, -kyuh-ler ]

adjective

, Cell Biology.

1. pertaining to or affecting the parts of a cell outside the nucleus.

extranuclear

/ ˌɛkstrəˈnjuːklɪə /

adjective

1. biology situated or occurring in part of a cell outside the nucleus

Pronunciation Note

See nuclear.

Word History and Origins

Origin of extranuclear¹

First recorded in 1885–90; extra- + nuclear

Example Sentences

In addition to making accurate copies of itself—which is what heredity is about—nuclear DNA directs the activities of the cell— which is what metabolism is about—by synthesizing another nucleic acid called messenger RNA, each of which passes to the extranuclear provinces and there controls the construction, at the right time, in the right place, of one enzyme.

From Literature

In the Heliozoa conditions are exceptionally interesting; not only is the centrosome—here resembling in appearance that of the higher forms—permanently visible and extranuclear, lying at the centre of the radiations characteristic of these forms, but there is the strongest possible evidence for its formation de novo.

From Project Gutenberg

There are also extranuclear families�communes, and open households� whose relationships and attitudes often seem like exotic and short-lived particles created in cyclotrons.

From Time Magazine Archive