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Definitions from WordNet

Definitions from the Web

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.

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