syncytia

(noun)

A syncytia (plural syncytia) is a multinucleate cell which can result from multiple cell fusions of uninuclear cells (i.e., cells with a single nucleus), in contrast to a coenocyte, which can result from multiple nuclear divisions without accompanying cytokinesis.

Related Terms

Examples of syncytia in the following topics:

  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

    • RSV's name comes from the fact that F proteins on the surface of the virus cause the cell membranes on nearby cells to merge, forming syncytia .
    • Syncytia are aggregates of cells that can form when cells are infected with certain types of viruses, notably HIV and paramyxoviruses such as RSV.
    • F proteins also mediate viral fusion, allowing entry of the virus into the cell cytoplasm and also allowing the formation of syncytia.

  • Sponge Communities

    • Another unique feature of glassy sponges is that their tissues are made up almost entirely of syncytia.