pleomorphism

views updated Jun 08 2018

pleomorphism (pleiomorphism) A form of polymorphism in which distinctly different forms occur at particular stages during the life cycle of an individual (e.g. the larval, pupal, and imago forms of many insects).

pleomorphism

views updated May 23 2018

pleomorphism (plee-oh-mor-fizm) n.
1. marked variation in the shapes of individual cells and cell nuclei, which is a feature of malignant neoplastic cells.

2. the condition in which an individual assumes a number of different forms during its life cycle. The malarial parasite (Plasmodium) displays pleomorphism.

pleomorphism

views updated May 17 2018

pleomorphism(pleiomorphism) A form of polymorphism in which distinctly different forms occur at particular stages during the life cycle of an individual (e.g. the larval, pupal, and imago forms of many insects).

pleomorphism

views updated May 14 2018

pleomorphism The ability of an organism to exist in different forms or shapes.