What does centrosome mean?
A centrosome is a minute but crucial structure found near the nucleus of animal cells, acting as the principal microtubule-organizing center. It consists of a pair of barrel-shaped centrioles embedded in a cloud of pericentriolar material, from which microtubules radiate throughout the cytoplasm. During cell division, the centrosome duplicates itself and the two copies move to opposite ends of the cell, anchoring the spindle fibers that pull chromosomes apart into the new daughter cells. Because accurate duplication is essential for genetic stability, defects in centrosome number or function are strongly associated with cancers and certain developmental disorders. The word belongs to formal scientific vocabulary — cell biology, genetics, and medical research — and rarely appears outside those contexts. Interestingly, most plant cells manage their microtubules without a conventional centrosome, making it a distinctive feature of animal cells. Understanding this small organelle offers insight into how life reproduces with remarkable precision at the cellular level.
nounA small structure near the nucleus of an animal cell that serves as the main microtubule-organizing center, consisting of a pair of centrioles surrounded by pericentriolar material. It plays a central role in organizing the spindle fibers during cell division.
- The main microtubule-organizing center of an animal cell, consisting of two centrioles and surrounding pericentriolar material, which forms the spindle poles during cell division.
"During mitosis, the centrosome splits in two and migrates to opposite poles of the cell."
"Before a cell divides, its single centrosome duplicates so that each daughter cell can inherit one."
"Researchers found that extra copies of the centrosome can drive chromosomal instability in cancer cells."
Standard regular plural; commonly used when discussing multiple cells or abnormal numbers of the organelle.
"Cancer cells frequently contain abnormal numbers of centrosomes."
Every animal cell's division depends on a tiny structure so vital that cancer cells often hijack it — and having too many centrosomes is a hallmark of tumor cells.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of centrosome
Centrosome derives from Greek roots: 'kentron' meaning 'center' or 'sharp point', and 'soma' meaning 'body'. The term was coined in the late 19th century by German biologist Theodor Boveri around 1888 during his pioneering studies of cell division. It shares its Greek roots with related biological terms such as centriole, centromere, and centromere, all built on the same 'kentron' element.
Related word forms
How centrosome is actually used
Strictly scientific register, used in cell biology and medicine; not used in everyday conversation. The term applies chiefly to animal cells — most plant cells organize microtubules without a classic centrosome.
Easily confused with centrosome
A centriole is one of the pair of cylindrical structures inside the centrosome; the centrosome is the larger organizing structure containing them.
The centromere is the constricted region of a chromosome where sister chromatids attach, whereas the centrosome is a cellular structure that organizes microtubules.