Definition

A type of substance produced by certain fungi that can interfere with the process of cell division without affecting the division of the cell's nucleus.

Example

Researchers used cytochalasin to study the effects on cell division in their experiments.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of cytochalasin?

Yeah, I think it's something related to cell division, right?

Exactly! It affects cytokinesis without messing with karyokinesis.

That's pretty interesting; I love learning about how cells work.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cytochalasin is formed from "cyto-" (from Greek "kytos", meaning cell) and "chalasin" (from Greek "chalasos", meaning to loosen or release). The word refers to a substance that affects the structure of cells by loosening their components.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cyto-' meaning cell and 'chalasin' meaning to loosen — this helps you remember that cytochalasin is a substance that loosens or affects cells.

Visually Confused Words