MadSci Network: Cell Biology
Query:

Re: What type of cell in the human body has NO nucleus? MORE than 1 nuclei?

Date: Tue Nov 28 13:34:52 2000
Posted By: Michael Onken, Admin, MadSci Network
Area of science: Cell Biology
ID: 975434253.Cb
Message:

I'm not sure how "unique" the various cell types are, but there certainly are cell types that are anucleated (no nucleus) or multinucleated. The two largest cell populations in blood, red blood cells and platelets, are anucleated (although some would not consider platelets to be "cells"). At the other extreme, the skeletal muscle fibers that contribute up to 40% of body weight have hundreds nuclei in each cell. There are also specialized multinucleated cells in the bones, called osteoclasts (meaning "bone-breakers") that digest bone material to allow remodelling during bone growth. And tying the ends together are the megakaryocytes (meaning "giant nuclear cells"). Megakaryocytes are multinucleated cells that live in the bone marrow and generate blood platelets by blebbing off pieces of themselves into the marrow capillaries. All of these cell types are common to almost all vertebrates, although only the mammals have anucleated red blood cells.


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