How Do You Spell CYTOTACTIC?

Pronunciation: [sˌa͡ɪtə͡ʊtˈaktɪk] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "cytotactic" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription system. The word is pronounced /saɪtəʊˈtæktɪk/, with emphasis on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "i" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced with a short "o" sound. The final syllable includes a hard "c" sound followed by a soft "t" sound. In terms of meaning, cytotactic refers to the movement or arrangement of cells, particularly in response to external stimuli.

CYTOTACTIC Meaning and Definition

1. Cytotactic is an adjective derived from the combination of two terms: "cyto-" from cytoplasm or cell and "tactic" from the Greek word "taktikos," meaning subdivision or deployment. In the context of biology and medicine, cytotactic refers to the moving or guiding of cells in a specific direction, often under the influence of chemical or physical stimuli.

   When cells undergo cytotaxis, they demonstrate a migratory response by moving towards or away from certain cues present in their environment. This process is crucial during various physiological events such as embryonic development, wound healing, and immune response. Cells can be attracted to a specific location by chemicals produced by tissues, known as chemotaxis, or they may migrate along a gradient of physical factors such as temperature, light, or electric fields, known as physical cytotaxis.

   The cytotactic ability of cells is regulated by intricate signaling pathways involving receptors on the cell surface and the subsequent activation of intracellular mechanisms. These pathways can initiate changes in the cellular cytoskeleton, which consists of structural proteins responsible for cell shape and movement. By altering the cytoskeleton, cells can extend or retract protrusions, such as pseudopodia, to facilitate their movement towards or away from cytotactic cues.

   In summary, cytotactic refers to the directed movement of cells in response to specific chemical or physical signals. It is a fundamental mechanism in various biological processes and contributes to the proper functioning and maintenance of multicellular organisms.

2. Relating to cytotaxia.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CYTOTACTIC

• xytotactic
• vytotactic
• fytotactic
• dytotactic
• cttotactic
• cgtotactic
• chtotactic
• cutotactic
• c7totactic
• c6totactic
• cyrotactic
• cyfotactic
• cygotactic
• cyyotactic
• cy6otactic
• cy5otactic
• cytitactic
• cytktactic
• cytltactic
• cytptactic

Etymology of CYTOTACTIC

The word cytotactic is derived from two Greek roots: cyto meaning cell and taxis meaning arrangement or order. Hence, the etymology of cytotactic literally translates to cell arrangement or cell order.