Dictionary > Megakaryoblast

Megakaryoblast

Definition
noun, plural: megakaryoblasts
A precursor cell that develops into a promegakaryocyte during thrombopoiesis
Supplement
Hematopoiesis is the process of forming new blood cellular elements in vertebrates. In this regard, thrombopoiesis is a hematopoiesis leading to the formation of thrombocytes. It begins with a multipotent stem cell, a hemocytoblast, which gives rise to a common myeloid progenitor cell. The progenitor cell, in turn gives rise to colony forming unit (particularly, CFU-Me, which is also referred to as CFU-Meg or CFU-Mega) fated to become megakaryocytes. The CFU-Me gives rise to megakaryoblasts. A megakaryoblast is a committed progenitor cell that gives rise to promegakaryocytes. In the thrombocytic series, the megakaryoblast is at the beginning of the series, prior to promegakaryocytic stage.
The megakaryoblast is a cell that ranges from 8μm to 30μm in size. It has a large nucleus with an oval or a round shape. Its nucleus is about three to five times the size of its cytoplasm. There are several nucleoli present in the nucleus.
Word origin: Greek mégas (“large”) + Greek karuo– (“nut”) + Greek blastos (“germ“, “sprout”)
See also:

Related form(s):

  • megakaryoblastic (adjective, of, relating to, or pertaining to a megakaryoblast)


  • You will also like...

    Disturbance on a still water
    Abiotic Factors – Water Conditions

    A still body of water may be disturbed by a variety of factors. One of them is wind. In fact, it is considered as the pr..

    Gibberellins and Gibberellic Acid
    Gibberellins and Gibberellic Acid

    This tutorial describes the role of gibberellin family in plants. Find out the effects of gibberellin on plant growth an..

    running freshwater community
    Running Water Freshwater Community Factors

    This tutorial noted some of the physical and chemical factors that provide the framework of a running water community in..

    Biological Cell schematic diagram
    Biological Cell Introduction

    It only takes one biological cell to create an organism. A single cell is able to keep itself functional through its 'mi..

    temperature - abiotic factor
    Abiotic and Biotic Factors

    This tutorial deals with the abiotic factors of the freshwater environment that determine what sort of life would be sui..

    Birth of a Human Baby
    Birth of a Human Baby

    Following nine months inside the mother's womb is the birth of the baby. Know the different stages of the birthing proce..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics