TARGET CELL Meaning and
Definition
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A target cell refers to a specific type of cell that is the intended recipient of a particular signal, stimulus, or therapeutic agent in biological systems. Within the context of various biological processes, such as cell signaling, immune responses, and drug therapy, target cells play a crucial role in mediating specific cellular responses.
In cell signaling, target cells possess specific receptors on their surface or within their cytoplasm that are selective for binding the signaling molecule or ligand. These receptors can be proteins, enzymes, or other molecules that initiate a cascade of intracellular events upon interaction with their corresponding ligands. The binding of the ligand to its specific receptor on the target cell triggers a series of biochemical reactions leading to the activation or inhibition of specific cellular responses.
Similarly, in immune responses, target cells are specific cells, such as pathogens, cancer cells, or infected cells, that the immune system's effector cells recognize and attack for elimination. This recognition occurs through the detection of specific markers or antigens present on the surface of the target cell, which triggers an immune response to neutralize or destroy the perceived threat.
In drug therapy, target cells are the cells or tissues that a particular drug or medication is designed to act upon. This may involve targeting specific receptors, enzymes, or signaling pathways within the target cells to achieve a desired therapeutic effect.
Overall, the concept of target cells encompasses the idea of specific cellular entities that are selected or primed to respond to particular signals, immune actions, or therapeutic interventions in order to bring about specialized biological outcomes.
Common Misspellings for TARGET CELL
- rarget cell
- farget cell
- garget cell
- yarget cell
- 6arget cell
- 5arget cell
- tzrget cell
- tsrget cell
- twrget cell
- tqrget cell
- taeget cell
- tadget cell
- tafget cell
- tatget cell
- ta5get cell
- ta4get cell
- tarfet cell
- tarvet cell
- tarbet cell
Etymology of TARGET CELL
The term "target cell" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "target" and "cell".
The word "target" originates from the late Middle English word "targette", which referred to a small shield used in archery practice. The term evolved over time to represent an object or goal that one intends to hit or achieve. In the context of biology and medicine, "target" refers to a specific molecule, protein, or cell that is aimed at or affected by a particular drug or treatment.
The term "cell" has its roots in Latin, specifically from the word "cella", which means "small room" or "storeroom". "Cella" eventually evolved into the Old English word "cell", referring to the basic unit of life. In biology, a cell is the smallest structural and functional unit of an organism, responsible for performing various vital functions.
Similar spelling words for TARGET CELL
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