pellicle

views updated May 17 2018

pellicle The living, proteinaceous, layered structure which surrounds the cells in many types of protozoa. It is immediately below the cell membrane and surrounds the cytoplasm (it is not extra-cellular, like the cell wall in a plant). In Ciliatea it may be very complex and contain pellicular, bottle-shaped organelles (trichocysts).

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

pellicle

views updated Jun 27 2018

pellicle The thin outer covering, composed of protein, that protects and maintains the shape of certain unicellular organisms, e.g. Euglena. It is transparent and in ciliated organisms, e.g. Paramecium, contains small pores through which the cilia emerge.

A Dictionary of Biology

pellicle

views updated May 23 2018

pellicle thin skin, cuticle, film. XVI. — F. pellicule — L. pellicula, dim. of pellis skin, FELL1; see -CLE.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

pellicle

views updated Jun 08 2018

pellicle See PERIPLAST.

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY

pellicle

views updated May 29 2018

pellicle (pel-ikŭl) n. a thin layer of skin, membrane, or any other substance.

A Dictionary of Nursing

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