Definition

A type of bacterial or yeast cell that has lost or has a weak cell wall, making it round in shape and more sensitive to changes in its environment.

Example

The researchers studied the spheroplasts to understand how they respond to different osmotic conditions.

Conversation

I just learned about something called a spheroplast in biology class.

Oh really? What's a spheroplast?

It's a type of bacterial cell that loses its cell wall, making it spherical.

That sounds interesting! I didn't know cells could change shape like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Spheroplast → It is formed from "sphero-" (from Greek "sphaira", meaning sphere) and "-plast" (from Greek "plastos", meaning formed or molded). The word describes a cell that has been formed into a spherical shape, typically referring to a type of bacterial cell that has lost its cell wall.

Memory Tip

Imagine a cell that has been 'molded' ('plast') into a 'sphere' ('sphaira') — that's what a spheroplast is, a spherical cell.

Visually Confused Words