The correct spelling of "apolar cell" is "əˈpoʊlər sɛl". The first letter "a" is pronounced with a schwa sound, and the stress is on the second syllable "po". The "l" in "apolar" is pronounced with a silent "e", making it sound like "a-po-lar". The word "cell" is straightforward, with the stress on the first syllable "sel". When pronounced correctly, "apolar cell" refers to a cell that does not have a polarity or directionality.
An apolar cell refers to a type of cell that lacks polarity or an asymmetric structure. In biology and medicine, cells are the fundamental units of life that make up all living organisms. They are responsible for various biological processes, including growth, reproduction, and maintenance of bodily functions. These cells typically possess a defined organization, with distinct regions or polarities that serve specific purposes.
However, an apolar cell deviates from this norm and lacks any pronounced polarity or polarity-related structures. It is characterized by a symmetrical shape and a lack of specialized compartments or regions within the cell. This lack of polarity in apolar cells can be observed in certain types of cells, such as stem cells or undifferentiated cells.
Apolar cells often demonstrate a uniform distribution of cellular components and organelles throughout their structure. As a result, they do not exhibit the distinct functional segregation commonly found in polarized cells. The absence of polarity in apolar cells allows them to retain their stemness or undifferentiated status, thus maintaining their potential to differentiate into various types of specialized cells.
Understanding apolar cells is of significant interest in the field of developmental biology and regenerative medicine. By unraveling the unique characteristics and behaviors of apolar cells, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms underlying cell differentiation and tissue regeneration processes. Additionally, studying apolar cells may provide insights into cellular behaviors associated with diseases, such as cancer, where loss of polarity can contribute to uncontrolled cell growth and invasion.
A neuron without processes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "apolar cell" combines the prefix "a-" which means "not" or "without", and the word "polar cell".
The word "polar" comes from the Latin word "polus", meaning "end or extremity". In the scientific context, it refers to a molecule or cell with a positive and negative charge distribution.
Therefore, an "apolar cell" would refer to a cell that does not exhibit polarity, lacking distinct charged ends or regions.