CONTRACTILE CELL Meaning and
Definition
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A contractile cell refers to a specialized type of cell found in various organisms, including animals and plants, possessing the ability to contract or shorten in size. This cell type plays a vital role in the mechanical movements and functions exhibited by different organisms.
In animals, contractile cells are commonly found in muscles, where they are responsible for generating force and enabling the movement of the body. These cells contain unique protein structures called actin and myosin filaments, which interact to create a sliding mechanism. When stimulated, these filaments slide past each other, causing the muscle to contract and exert force. This contraction generates movement in the limbs, organs, and internal systems, allowing animals to perform essential actions such as running, jumping, and pumping blood.
In plants, contractile cells are primarily found in certain specialized tissues called contractile roots or bulbs. These cells enable the plant organs to contract and pull themselves deeper into the soil. This contraction helps anchor the plant firmly in the ground, providing stability and support, especially in environments with loose or sandy soil.
Overall, contractile cells are fundamental components of many organisms that possess the ability to generate force and movement. They are vital in maintaining the structural integrity, mobility, and functionality of animals and plants.
Common Misspellings for CONTRACTILE CELL
- xontractile cell
- vontractile cell
- fontractile cell
- dontractile cell
- cintractile cell
- ckntractile cell
- clntractile cell
- cpntractile cell
- c0ntractile cell
- c9ntractile cell
- cobtractile cell
- comtractile cell
- cojtractile cell
- cohtractile cell
- conrractile cell
- confractile cell
- congractile cell
- conyractile cell
- con6ractile cell
- con5ractile cell
Etymology of CONTRACTILE CELL
The term "contractile cell" is derived from two primary words: "contractile" and "cell".
1. Contractile: The word "contractile" is derived from the Latin word "contractilis", which comes from the verb "contrahere", meaning "to draw together" or "to make narrow". It refers to the ability of an object or organism to undergo contraction or become smaller in size.
2. Cell: The word "cell" is derived from the Latin "cella" or "cellula", meaning "small room" or "small cavity". It is originally related to the concept of a small compartment, typically referring to the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
Combining these two terms gives "contractile cell", which generally refers to a cell that possesses the ability to contract or exhibit movement, usually due to the presence of specialized proteins like actin and myosin.
