QUIESCENT CELL Meaning and
Definition
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A quiescent cell refers to a type of cell that is in a state of dormancy or resting phase, characterized by a reduced rate of cellular activity and division. Also known as a resting cell or a dormant cell, it is a phase during which the cell temporarily ceases its regular metabolic processes and enters a period of inactivity.
During quiescence, the cell remains alive and retains the potential to resume its normal functions and activities when prompted by appropriate signals or conditions. This state is often observed in various cell types, including stem cells, immune cells, and certain differentiated cells, such as neurons.
Quiescent cells exhibit distinctive features that differentiate them from actively dividing cells. These features include a decreased metabolic rate, reduced synthesis of DNA and proteins, and a higher resistance to external stresses. Additionally, the cell cycle is arrested at the G0 phase in quiescence, where it remains until receiving specific signals to re-enter the active cell cycle and resume growth and division.
The quiescent state is critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis, regulating tissue growth, and enabling repair in response to injury or disease. It allows cells to conserve energy and resources, while also providing a protective mechanism against DNA damage and potential mutations. The ability of cells to enter and exit quiescence is tightly controlled by various signaling pathways to ensure balanced cell proliferation and tissue integrity.
Common Misspellings for QUIESCENT CELL
- 1uiescent cell
- 2uiescent cell
- wuiescent cell
- auiescent cell
- qyiescent cell
- qhiescent cell
- qjiescent cell
- qiiescent cell
- q8iescent cell
- q7iescent cell
- quuescent cell
- qujescent cell
- qukescent cell
- quoescent cell
- qu9escent cell
- qu8escent cell
- quiwscent cell
- quisscent cell
- quidscent cell
- quirscent cell
Etymology of QUIESCENT CELL
The word "quiescent" originates from the Latin word "quiēscēns", which is the present participle of the verb "quiēscere". The verb "quiēscere" is composed of two Latin roots: "quiēs" meaning "rest" or "quiet" and "scēre" meaning "to become". Hence, "quiescent" means "becoming quiet" or "being at rest".
"Cell" on the other hand, comes from the Latin word "cella" meaning "small room" or "chamber". It was primarily used to describe a small enclosed space. Over time, the meaning of "cell" was extended to describe the basic structural and functional unit of living organisms.
Therefore, when combined, the term "quiescent cell" refers to a cell that is at rest, not actively dividing or in a state of dormancy.
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