Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 40m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 37m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 7m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood1h 22m
18. The Heart1h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance Coming soon
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity Coming soon

4. Tissues & Histology

Introduction to Muscle Tissue

Anatomy & Physiology

4. Tissues & Histology

Introduction to Muscle Tissue

Erin C. Amerman - 2nd Edition

Textbook Question

Explain why it would be difficult for a mature multinucleate cell such as a skeletal muscle fiber to divide by mitosis. (Connects to Chapter 3)

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that mitosis is the process by which a single nucleus divides to form two identical nuclei, each with the same number of chromosomes as the original nucleus.

Recognize that skeletal muscle fibers are multinucleate, meaning they contain multiple nuclei within a single cell membrane, which is a result of the fusion of myoblasts during development.

Consider that for mitosis to occur, each nucleus would need to undergo the process of chromosome replication and division, which is complex in a multinucleate cell due to the coordination required among multiple nuclei.

Acknowledge that the structural organization of skeletal muscle fibers, with their highly specialized contractile apparatus, makes it challenging to undergo the physical changes required for cell division, such as the formation of a mitotic spindle and cytokinesis.

Conclude that the unique structure and function of skeletal muscle fibers, along with their multinucleate nature, make it difficult for them to divide by mitosis, which is why these cells typically grow and repair through other mechanisms, such as hypertrophy and satellite cell fusion.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Multinucleate Cells

Multinucleate cells, such as skeletal muscle fibers, contain multiple nuclei within a single cell membrane. This structure arises from the fusion of precursor cells during development, allowing for greater control over cellular functions and protein synthesis. However, the presence of multiple nuclei complicates the process of mitosis, as each nucleus must replicate its DNA and distribute it evenly during cell division.

Mitosis

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. It involves several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, where chromosomes are duplicated and separated. In multinucleate cells, coordinating the division of multiple nuclei poses significant challenges, as each nucleus must undergo mitosis simultaneously, which is not typical for standard somatic cells.

Cell Cycle Regulation

The cell cycle is tightly regulated by various checkpoints and proteins that ensure proper cell division and function. In multinucleate cells, the regulation becomes more complex due to the need for synchronized division of multiple nuclei. Disruptions in this regulation can lead to issues such as uneven distribution of genetic material, which can compromise the cell's functionality and lead to cellular dysfunction or disease.