MULTINUCLEATE Meaning and
Definition
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Multinucleate is an adjective that describes a cell or an organism containing multiple nuclei within a single cytoplasm. It refers to the condition of having more than one separate nucleus in a cell or organism.
In biology, a cell generally possesses a single nucleus that contains its genetic material (DNA). However, certain specialized cells or organisms may possess multiple nuclei, which are surrounded by the same cytoplasm. These multiple nuclei can be genetically identical or genetically different, depending on the specific context.
Multinucleate cells are commonly found in nature, particularly in some fungi, algae, and protozoa. In fungi, for example, the hyphae, or thread-like structures, can have multiple nuclei along their length. This multinucleate condition contributes to the metabolic and reproductive functions of these organisms as each nucleus can have specific functions within the same cell.
In addition to microorganisms, multinucleate cells can also be found in higher animals, including skeletal muscle cells (myocytes). These cells are formed by the fusion of several mononucleate cells during development, resulting in a multinucleate structure known as a syncytium. The multinucleate nature of skeletal muscle allows coordinated muscle contractions as the numerous nuclei control the synthesis of proteins required for muscle function.
In summary, multinucleate refers to the presence of multiple nuclei within a single cell or organism, and is a notable phenomenon seen in various microorganisms and in the context of skeletal muscle cells.
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having two or more nuclei
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MULTINUCLEATE
Etymology of MULTINUCLEATE
The word "multinucleate" is derived from the Latin roots "multi-" meaning "many" and "-nucleate" which comes from the Latin word "nucleus" meaning "kernel" or "nucleus". The suffix "-ate" indicates a state or condition. Therefore, "multinucleate" refers to the state or condition of having many nuclei.
Similar spelling words for MULTINUCLEATE
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