CALCIGEROUS CELL Meaning and
Definition
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A calcigerous cell, also known as a calcifying cell, is a specialized type of cell that plays a crucial role in the formation and regulation of calcium carbonate structures in various organisms. These cells are typically found in organisms that possess calcified structures such as shells, exoskeletons, or calcareous skeletons.
The main function of calcigerous cells is to secrete and deposit calcium carbonate compounds, primarily in the form of calcite or aragonite, which are the two most common crystalline forms of calcium carbonate. This secretion process occurs either on the surface of or within the cell, and it is tightly regulated to ensure proper structure development and maintenance.
Calcigerous cells are found in diverse organisms including mollusks, such as snails, clams, and oysters, as well as echinoderms like sea urchins and starfish. In these organisms, calcigerous cells are responsible for the growth, repair, and maintenance of their hard skeletal structures, providing essential support and protection.
The precise mechanisms underlying calcification within calcigerous cells are still not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the transport and regulation of calcium and carbonate ions. This process is often influenced by various factors including environmental conditions, such as water pH and temperature, as well as genetic and physiological factors.
Understanding the function and regulation of calcigerous cells is essential for studying the development and evolution of calcified structures in organisms, as well as their responses to environmental changes and potential implications for their survival and adaptation.
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A c. of the dentine, containing calcareous salts.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CALCIGEROUS CELL
- xalcigerous cell
- valcigerous cell
- falcigerous cell
- dalcigerous cell
- czlcigerous cell
- cslcigerous cell
- cwlcigerous cell
- cqlcigerous cell
- cakcigerous cell
- capcigerous cell
- caocigerous cell
- calxigerous cell
- calvigerous cell
- calfigerous cell
- caldigerous cell
- calcugerous cell
- calcjgerous cell
- calckgerous cell
- calcogerous cell
- calc9gerous cell
Etymology of CALCIGEROUS CELL
The term "calcigerous" comes from two Latin roots: "calx" which means "lime" or "calcium", and "gerere" which means "to bear" or "to carry". Therefore, "calcigerous" refers to something that carries or bears calcium.
The term "cell" comes from the Latin word "cellula" which means "small room" or "a small space". In biology, a "cell" refers to the basic structural unit of living organisms.
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