Pleomorphism

As pleomorphism or pleiomorphism (from ancient Greek πλέον (pleon) "more" and μορφή (morphä) "shape") the diversity of certain viruses , microorganisms or cells of multicellular organisms is referred to in biology .

Many unicellular organisms can change their cell shape, for example, depending on the environmental conditions or certain stages of development. Pleomorphies are known from Corynebacteria , Brucella , Azotobacter , Bacteroides , Arcanobacterium and others.

But even single cells of multicellular organisms can be pleomorphic and change their appearance. This also applies to pathologically changed cells, for example tumor cells .

Pleomorphism is to be distinguished from the theory of pleomorphism .