INFECTED CELL Meaning and
Definition
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An infected cell refers to a host cell that has been invaded and compromised by a pathogen, such as a virus or bacterium. This term is predominantly used in the field of microbiology and virology to describe the phenomenon where a microorganism successfully enters and replicates within a living cell, resulting in detrimental effects on the infected organism.
When a pathogen enters an organism, it specifically targets certain host cells that provide a suitable environment for its replication and survival. Once inside the host cell, the pathogen utilizes the cellular machinery to produce multiple copies of itself, ultimately leading to the destruction or malfunctioning of the host cell. This process is often accompanied by various cellular changes, including alterations in gene expression, disruption of normal cellular processes, and potentially inducing immune responses.
In the case of viral infections, infected cells can release numerous viral particles, called virions, which can infect other cells in the body and propagate the infection. This creates a domino effect, leading to the spread of viral particles throughout the organism and potentially causing systemic illness.
Identifying and studying infected cells is critical in understanding the mechanisms of infection and developing strategies to combat pathogens. Scientists can use various techniques, such as microscopy, molecular biology methods, and immunohistochemistry, to detect and characterize infected cells. Effective antiviral or antibacterial treatments are often designed to specifically target infected cells, inhibiting the growth and spread of pathogens within the host organism.
Common Misspellings for INFECTED CELL
- unfected cell
- jnfected cell
- knfected cell
- onfected cell
- 9nfected cell
- 8nfected cell
- ibfected cell
- imfected cell
- ijfected cell
- ihfected cell
- indected cell
- incected cell
- invected cell
- ingected cell
- intected cell
- inrected cell
- infwcted cell
- infscted cell
- infdcted cell
- infrcted cell
Etymology of INFECTED CELL
The etymology of the word "infected" can be traced back to the Latin word "infectus", which means "stained" or "contaminated". This word is derived from the verb "inficere", which means "to dye" or "to tinge". Over time, "infectus" came to be associated with the concept of the transmission of disease or the invasion of pathogens into living organisms.
The word "cell" is derived from the Latin word "cella", which originally meant "small room" or "storeroom". In the context of biology, the term "cell" refers to the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
When combined, the phrase "infected cell" refers to a living cell that has been invaded and affected by a pathogen or disease-causing agent.
