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What term refers to multinucleated cells that form when many host cells fuse together during infections?

a) Syncytium
b) Plaque
c) Biofilm
d) Vesicle

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The term for multinucleated cells formed from the fusion of host cells during infections is syncytium, characteristic of certain viral infections like RSV.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term that refers to multinucleated cells that form when many host cells fuse together during infections is syncytium. A syncytium is caused by the fusion of normal cells during infections or other processes, leading to a single, large cell with multiple nuclei. This process can be seen in certain viral infections, where the virus-induced fusion of adjacent cells allows the infection to spread directly from cell to cell. An example of such a virus is the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can cause a syncytium in the lungs.

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