How Do You Spell CYTOTOXICITY?

Pronunciation: [sˌa͡ɪtətəksˈɪsɪti] (IPA)

The word cytotoxicity is spelled as /ˌsaɪtəʊtɒkˈsɪsɪti/. It is pronounced as sahy-tuh-tok-si-ti. The word is composed of two major components, cytotox and -icity. Cytotox is derived from the Greek words "kytos", meaning cell, and "toxin", meaning poison. The suffix -icity is added to form a noun indicating the quality or state of being cytotoxic. Cytotoxicity is the ability of a substance or agent to destroy cells. This term is often used in medical research and testing to evaluate the safety and efficacy of drugs and treatments.

CYTOTOXICITY Meaning and Definition

1. Cytotoxicity refers to the ability of a substance or agent to cause damage or destruction to cells. It is a measure of the toxic effect a substance has on cells, especially living cells. This phenomenon can occur due to the disruption of normal cell processes, induction of cell death, or the suppression of cell growth and proliferation. Cytotoxicity can be observed in various contexts, including in the field of pharmacology, toxicology, and immunology.

   In pharmacology, cytotoxicity is a term frequently used to describe the harmful effects of certain drugs or chemicals on cells. These substances may interfere with essential cellular functions, such as DNA replication or protein synthesis, leading to cell death or impaired function. In toxicology, cytotoxicity assays are used to evaluate and predict the potential toxicity of various substances on living organisms.

   In immunology, cytotoxicity is the ability of certain immune cells, such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells, to specifically recognize and destroy target cells, usually infected or cancerous cells. These immune cells release toxic substances, such as perforin and granzymes, which induce cell death pathways in the target cells, effectively eliminating them.

   Overall, cytotoxicity refers to the damaging or destructive effects of a substance or agent on living cells, whether it occurs as a result of drug exposure, toxic exposure, or immune-mediated cell death.

Common Misspellings for CYTOTOXICITY

• cytotoxcity
• cytotoxiciy
• cytotoxicyty
• Autotoxicity
• Cytoxicityy

Etymology of CYTOTOXICITY

The word "cytotoxicity" is derived from two components: "cyto-" and "-toxicity".

The prefix "cyto-" refers to "cell" and is derived from the Greek word "kutos", meaning "a hollow vessel". This prefix is commonly used in various scientific terms related to cells, such as cytoplasm, cytokine, and cytoskeleton.

The suffix "-toxicity" originates from the Greek word "toxikon", meaning "poison". It is derived from the Greek word "toxon", referring to "a bow" or "a bow-shaped weapon". This suffix is frequently used to describe the degree or effect of being poisonous or toxic.

Thus, when combined, "cyto-" and "-toxicity" create the term "cytotoxicity", which refers to the property of being toxic or destructive to cells.

Similar spelling words for CYTOTOXICITY

• cytotoxic drug,
• cytotoxin,
• cytotoxic.

Plural form of CYTOTOXICITY is CYTOTOXICITIES