Micronuclei

Term: MicronucleiDefinition: Small, extra nuclei that form during cell division as a result of chromosomal damage or malfunction.Phonetic Pronunciation: (my-kroh-NOO-klee-eye)Origin: The term "micronuclei" is derived from the Greek words "mikros," meaning small, and "nucleus," which comes from the Latin "nucleus," meaning kernel or core. This term was coined to describe the small, additional nuclear structures observed in cells.Significance in Asbestos Context: Micronuclei are important biomarkers for assessing the genotoxic effects of asbestos exposure. Their presence in cells can indicate DNA damage and chromosomal instability, which are critical factors in the development of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.Example Sentence: "The increased presence of micronuclei in the lung cells of the patient was a clear indicator of asbestos-induced chromosomal damage."Related Terms: Genotoxicity, chromosomal instability, DNA damage, biomarkers, asbestos-related diseasesNotes: - Micronuclei are not visible with standard light microscopy and require specialized techniques for detection. - The presence of micronuclei does not guarantee the development of disease but is a strong indicator of increased risk.