Micronucleus, Germline

Germinal Micronucleus; Germline Micronucleus; Germline Micronuclei; Micronucleus, Germinal
The smaller, reproductive, transcriptionally inert nucleus in the cells of ciliate PROTOZOANS, as distinguished from the larger, vegetative, transcriptionally active MACRONUCLEUS. Micronuclei participate in MEIOSIS and autogamy during GENETIC CONJUGATION.