cell death

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Noun cell death has 1 sense

necrobiosis, cell death - (physiology) the normal degeneration and death of living cells (as in various epithelial cells)
--₁ is a kind of death
--₁ has particulars: apoptosis, programmed cell death, caspase-mediated cell death

Cell Death

Description:

Cell death refers to the natural and controlled process of the demise or termination of a living cell. It is a vital aspect of multicellular organisms' development, maintenance, and overall homeostasis. Cell death plays a significant role in various physiological and pathological conditions.

Senses:

Sense 1 - Biological Process:

Cell death, as a biological process, is an essential mechanism to eliminate old, damaged, or redundant cells from an organism. It ensures the proper functioning of tissues and organs throughout an organism's lifespan.

Sense 2 - Pathological Condition:

In the context of diseases, cell death may occur as a result of various factors such as infection, injury, or as a consequence of an underlying disease. Understanding the mechanisms behind cell death is crucial for developing strategies to treat or prevent certain diseases.

Examples:

Example 1 - Biological Process:

During embryonic development, cell death plays a crucial role in shaping the precise structures of organs, such as the formation of fingers or the removal of webbing between them.

The shedding of the uterine lining during menstruation is a natural form of cell death.

Example 2 - Pathological Condition:

In cases of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, excessive cell death in certain regions of the brain contributes to the progressive deterioration of cognitive functions.

Chemotherapy aims to induce cell death in cancerous cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells.

Definitions from WordNet