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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a multinucleated cell due to the cytopathic effect of a viral infection?
A
Syncytium
B
Chondrocyte
C
Osteoclast
D
Fibroblast
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of multinucleated cells: These are cells that contain more than one nucleus within a single cell membrane. This can occur naturally or due to certain conditions, such as viral infections.
Learn about the cytopathic effect: This refers to structural changes in host cells caused by viral invasion. Some viruses can induce the fusion of infected cells, leading to the formation of multinucleated cells known as syncytia.
Identify the term 'syncytium': A syncytium is a large cell-like structure formed by the fusion of multiple cells, resulting in a single cell with multiple nuclei. This is often seen in viral infections where the virus causes cells to merge.
Differentiate between the given cell types: Chondrocytes are cells found in cartilage, osteoclasts are bone-resorbing cells, and fibroblasts are cells that synthesize the extracellular matrix and collagen. None of these are typically multinucleated due to viral infection.
Conclude that syncytium is the correct answer: Based on the understanding of viral infections and the cytopathic effect, syncytium is the multinucleated cell formed due to the fusion of cells, which is a characteristic effect of certain viral infections.