- Coenocyte
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A coenocyte is a multinucleate cell. It can result from multiple nuclear divisions without accompanying cell divisions, or from cellular aggregation followed by dissolution of the cell membranes inside the mass. Coenocytes are found in fungi and some protists, such as algae and slime mold. Some plant structures, such as endosperm, are coenocytic as well. Certain animal immune-derived cells may form aggregate cells also, for example the osteoclast cells responsible for bone resorption.
Fungal mycelia in which hyphae lack septa are known as "aseptate" or "coenocytic".
Certain mutations and the activation of certain cell-cycle control genes can lead to bacteria forming "filament-like" cells with multiple chromosomes but without cellular division. These mechanisms or mistakes may lead to a similar structure to a coenocyte, though bacteria do not possess nuclei. This fact has been used in certain synthetic biology applications, for example to create fibers for an organically grown concrete.
See also
Categories:- Cells
- Fungal morphology and anatomy
- Cell biology stubs
- Fungus stubs
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