Amphikaryotic

/ˌæmfɪkæriˈɒtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characterized by a nucleus containing genetic material from two different sources.

Etymology

From 'amphikaryon' + '-ic' (adjective suffix). This scientific term describes the state of cells whose nuclei contain DNA from multiple sources.

Kelly Says

Cancer cells are sometimes amphikaryotic—they've fused with other cells and picked up extra chromosomes, which scientists study to understand how cancer cells become so unstable.

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