Canadian Medical Guide > Anatomy > Cells > Epithelial Cells > Chromatophores Terms and Definitions




Chromatophores

Medical Definition: The large pigment cells of fish, amphibia, reptiles and many invertebrates which actively disperse and aggregate their pigment granules. These cells include MELANOPHORES, erythrophores, xanthophores, leucophores and iridiophores. (In algae, chromatophores refer to CHLOROPLASTS. In phototrophic bacteria chromatophores refer to membranous organelles (BACTERIAL CHROMATOPHORES).)
Guide Notes: do not confuse with chromophores (chemical groups imparting color to a cpd); BACTERIAL CHROMATOPHORES is available
Chromatophores Categories.
Canadian Medical Guide Definition Melanophores - Chromatophores (large pigment cells of fish, amphibia, reptiles and many invertebrates) which contain melanin. Short term color changes are brought about by an active redistribution of the melanophores pigment containing organelles (MELANOSOMES). Mammals do not have melanophores; however they have retained smaller pigment cells known as MELANOCYTES.

Chromatophores Medical Definitions and Terms

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