Definition

Describing a type of cell division in embryos where the whole egg divides completely into separate cells.

Example

The holoblastic cleavage of the fertilized egg allows for the formation of distinct cells during early development.

Conversation

Did you know that some embryos are holoblastic?

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means the whole egg separates into distinct parts during development.

That's fascinating! I love learning about how life begins.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Holoblastic → It is formed from "holo-" (from Greek "holos", meaning whole or entire) and "blastic" (from Greek "blastos", meaning germ or bud). The word describes a type of cleavage in embryonic development where the entire egg is divided into smaller cells, hence the term whole or entire division.

Memory Tip

Think of 'whole' ('holo-') when remembering that 'holoblastic' refers to a complete division in embryonic development.

Visually Confused Words