0
Are the multiple nuclei in each muscle cell important to its function? Or are they just a byproduct of the fusion of so many precursor cells? Could a skeletal muscle cell get by with just one nucleus? I would argue that it couldn't, that the muscle cell needs all of those nuclei. Here's why:
Think about the structure and function of these cells - they are much larger than other cell types, and they must be able to contract and relax. The machines responsible for muscle cell contraction, called "myofibrils," occupy most of the cell's interior. Myofibrils consist of many types of proteins, each of which does a specific job.
What do we know about nuclei, and how might they contribute to the function of the muscle cell? First of all, since the cell is full of myofibrils, and since myofibrils are made up of a lot of different proteins, it's likely that the cell always has a need for more proteins. We know that nuclei are essential to the protein-making process, since they contain DNA, the genetic information that carries the instructions for making each protein. Also, the first step in making proteins, which involves transferring the information encoded in DNA to a messenger molecule (a process called "transcription"), takes place in the nucleus. The messenger molecule, called mRNA, then travels to the cell's cytoplasm, where the information it carries is "translated" to build the actual protein.
In a large muscle cell, it's possible that a single nucleus might not be able to satisfy the cell's huge protein-making requirements. I would argue that the cell needs many nuclei to produce all of the proteins it needs.
That's WHY a muscle cell syncytium is made. Now let's think about HOW. Cell fusion is one way that syncytia can form. Syncytia can also be made through another mechanism, one that involves mitosis (my-TOE-sis), or cell division. This is the process by which a cell divides into two daughter cells, each of which is exactly like the original cell. A cell that has many nuclei is called a "syncytium" (pronounced "sin-SISH- ium"). If you're talking about more than one syncytium, you would say "syncytia" ("sin-SISH-ia").
Where do syncytia occur in nature? You might know that skeletal muscle cells, such as the ones we use when we walk, are syncytia. Also, slime molds (a type of fungus) are syncytia. Early in its development, the fruit fly embryo is one big syncytium containing more than a thousand nuclei! Human cancer cells can have many nuclei, too.
Why do some cells contain many nuclei? You might find clues by thinking about how a specific type of syncytial cell is made, how it functions, and how having many nuclei might help the cell do its job.
Let's consider the skeletal muscle cell. Each skeletal muscle cell is made up of many precursor cells, called myoblasts, which have fused together to form one long, thin cell with many nuclei.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What type of muscle tissue is made up of cells that have more than one nucleus?
Skeletal muscle cells have more than one nucleus.
Do muscle cells have ore than one nucleus?
no
What is nuclei in the skeletal muscle?
Skeletal muscles (the ones in arms, legs and other moving parts of the body) have large numbers of nuclei. They are formed during development by the fusion of many single nucleus myoblastcells . Other muscle cells, like the cardiac muscle cells in the heart or smooth cells in the gut, do not fuse and have only one nucleus. For more information see "Molecular Biology of the Cell" published by Garland Press.
Which tissue has more than one nucleus and is voluntary?
Skeletal muscle tissue has more than one nucleus and is under voluntary control. The multiple nuclei in skeletal muscle cells are a result of the fusion of multiple precursor cells during development. This tissue is under conscious control and allows for movement of the body.
Why do some cells have more than one nucleus?
Cells with multiple nuclei are called multinucleated cells. This may occur in certain cell types like muscle cells and some fungal cells to increase efficiency in processes like protein synthesis or energy production. Multinucleation can also be a result of cell fusion or failed cell division.
Is a cell contain more than one nuclueus?
Most of eukariyotic cells have only one nucleus.But some cells have more than one nucleus. Eg:-Skeletal muscle cells.Some cells do not have a nucleus.Eg:-Erythrocytes,Seive tube elements
What does muscle cells have more of than skin cells?
skin cells are specialized which means they are quickly to be shed and replace while muscle cells are very different because they aren't really that easy to replace
Would be more numerous in muscle cell than in skin cells?
Mitochondria are more numerous in muscle cells than in skin cells. Mitochondria give the muscle cells energy. Skin cells do not need as much energy to survive.
What would be more numerous in muscle cells than in skin cells?
Mitochondria would be more numerous in muscle cells than in skin cells, as muscles require more energy to function. Additionally, myofibrils (contractile units) and sarcoplasmic reticulum (stores calcium ions) would also be more abundant in muscle cells compared to skin cells.
Can a nucleus can have more than one nucleus?
No, a nucleus typically refers to the central part of an atom that contains protons and neutrons. It does not contain other nuclei. However, in certain biological cells, like muscle cells, multiple nuclei can exist due to the fusion of multiple cells during development.
Why are muscle cells smaller than fat cells?
Muscles cells are smaller than fat cells because they are more dense. These cells are more condensed than fat cells.
What is multi-nucleate?
Multi-nucleate refers to a cell or organism that contains more than one nucleus. This can occur naturally in certain cells, such as muscle cells, where multiple nuclei help facilitate cellular functions. Abnormal levels of multi-nucleation can also be seen in certain diseases or conditions.
