DEDIFFERENTIATED Meaning and
Definition
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Dedifferentiated is an adjective that is primarily used in the field of biology to describe a process or state in which cells lose their specialized characteristics or functions and revert to a more primitive or undifferentiated state.
In biology, cellular differentiation refers to the process by which cells acquire specific structures and functions that allow them to perform specific tasks within a multicellular organism. However, under certain circumstances, cells may lose this specialized identity and undergo dedifferentiation. This often occurs in response to injury or in pathological conditions.
Dedifferentiation can involve the reversal of various cell characteristics, such as morphology, gene expression, and functional properties. Cells that have dedifferentiated often resemble embryonic stem cells or progenitor cells, which have the potential to develop into a variety of different cell types.
In the context of cancer, dedifferentiation is a crucial phenomenon. It refers to the process by which well-differentiated cancer cells lose their specialized features and acquire more aggressive and invasive properties. This transition from a differentiated to an undifferentiated state is associated with tumor progression, increased metastatic potential, and resistance to treatment.
Overall, the term "dedifferentiated" describes a cellular process or state in which cells lose their specialized characteristics, resulting in a more primitive or undifferentiated state.
Common Misspellings for DEDIFFERENTIATED
- sedifferentiated
- xedifferentiated
- cedifferentiated
- fedifferentiated
- redifferentiated
- eedifferentiated
- dwdifferentiated
- dsdifferentiated
- dddifferentiated
- drdifferentiated
- d4differentiated
- d3differentiated
- desifferentiated
- dexifferentiated
- decifferentiated
- defifferentiated
- derifferentiated
- deeifferentiated
- dedufferentiated
Etymology of DEDIFFERENTIATED
The word "dedifferentiated" is derived from the combination of two roots: "de" and "differentiate".
- The prefix "de-" is derived from the Latin prefix "de-" or "dis-", which indicates negation, reversal, or removal.
- The root "differentiate" originates from the Latin word "differentiare", meaning "to distinguish" or "to make different".
When combined, "dedifferentiated" speaks to the process of undoing or reversing differentiation, typically in the context of biology or medicine. It refers to the loss of specialized characteristics or functions of cells, causing them to become less specialized or revert to an undifferentiated state.
Similar spelling words for DEDIFFERENTIATED
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