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AAT Bioquest

What is the largest single cell?

Posted December 15, 2023


Answer

The largest single cell known today by weight is the egg (or ovum) of the ostrich. Prior to fertilization, this cell is approximately 5.9 inches long, 5.1 inches wide, and weighs approximately 1.4 kg. By length, the largest single cell is the colossal squid nerve cell, which can grow up to 12 meters in length. 

Additional resources

Ostrich fact sheet

Cell Proliferation Assays

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