PARANUCLEATE Meaning and
Definition
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Paranucleate is an adjective used to describe a biological cell or organism that contains one or more additional nuclei or genetic material apart from the primary nucleus. The term combines the prefix "para-", meaning "beside" or "beyond," with "nucleate," which refers to the presence of a nucleus in a cell.
In most eukaryotes, including plants, animals, and fungi, a single nucleus typically resides within each cell. However, certain exceptional cases, such as multinucleate muscle cells or certain algae and protozoans, may possess multiple primary nuclei. Paranucleate structures occur when additional nuclei, often smaller and distinct from the primary ones, also exist alongside them.
Paranucleate cells or organisms usually result from abnormal processes, such as nuclear division without subsequent cellular division or fusion of cells without proper nuclear fusion. These abnormalities can arise due to genetic mutations, errors in cell division, or the presence of organisms like viruses or bacteria, which might introduce additional genetic material.
While the function and implications of paranucleate structures vary depending on the organism, they can have significant biological consequences. For instance, in certain cancers, tumor cells may become paranucleate, leading to altered cellular behavior, resistance to treatment, or increased genetic diversity.
In summary, paranucleate refers to the presence of one or more additional nuclei in a cell or organism beyond the primary nucleus. It typically arises from abnormal cellular processes and can have important implications for biological function and behavior.
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Relating to or having a paranucleus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PARANUCLEATE
- paranuclea4e
- paranucleade
- paranucleape
- paranucleave
- paranucleaue
- paranucleatu
- paranucleatm
- paranucleata
- paranucleatg
- pa ranucleate
- par anucleate
- para nucleate
- paran ucleate
- paranu cleate
- paranuc leate
- paranucl eate
- paranucle ate
- paranuclea te
- paranucleat e
Etymology of PARANUCLEATE
The word "paranucleate" is a compound word consisting of two parts: "para-" and "nucleate".
The prefix "para-" comes from the Greek word "para", which means "beside" or "beyond". It is commonly used in English to indicate something related or analogous to, but distinct from, the root word.
The term "nucleate" is derived from the Latin word "nucleus", meaning "kernel" or "core". In biology, it refers to the presence of a nucleus or the process of nucleus formation.
Therefore, combining these two elements, "paranucleate" would refer to something that is "beside" or "beyond" the nucleus or has characteristics similar to but distinct from a nucleus.
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