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host cell

American  
[hohst sel] / ˈhoʊst ˌsɛl /

noun

host cells plural
  1. a cell that acts as a host to a bacterium or virus.


Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Every time the virus replicates in a host cell, it presents an opportunity for a mutation to emerge.

From Salon • Nov. 28, 2025

The HSV-1 infection depends on the nuclear DNA replication, transcription machinery, and mitochondrial metabolism of the host cell.

From Science Daily • May 7, 2024

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have found that herpesvirus infection modifies the structure and normal function of the mitochondria in the host cell.

From Science Daily • May 7, 2024

Retroviruses are viruses that multiply by incorporating their genes into the genome of a host cell.

From Science Daily • Feb. 5, 2024

They learned that HPV inserts its DNA into the DNA of the host cell, where it produces proteins that lead to cancer.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot

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