CYTOSTASIS Meaning and
Definition
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Cytostasis is a term primarily used in biology and medicine to describe the state or process of halting or inhibiting cellular activity, growth, or division. It refers to the condition wherein normal cellular functions are temporarily suspended, leading to a state of dormancy or reduced metabolic activity within the cell. This can be induced naturally by various physiological stimuli or artificially through the application of specific drugs or treatments.
Cytostasis is often employed in medical research and clinical settings as a means to control the proliferation of cells, particularly in the context of cancer treatment. Cytostatic drugs or substances are utilized to impede the rapid growth and division of cancer cells, ultimately inhibiting tumor progression. These substances may interfere with various cellular processes, such as DNA replication, protein synthesis, or cell cycle progression, thereby inducing cytostasis.
Furthermore, cytostasis can also occur naturally in response to adverse environmental conditions or stressors. In certain organisms, such as certain plants or microorganisms, cytostasis can be a protective mechanism during unfavorable conditions, allowing the organism to conserve energy and withstand the stress until better conditions prevail.
Overall, cytostasis is a crucial concept in biology, as it plays a significant role in understanding cell behavior, development, and disease progression. By manipulating cellular activity through the induction of cytostasis, researchers and medical professionals can explore novel approaches for the treatment and prevention of various diseases, particularly cancer.
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The arrest of leucocytes in a minute blood-vessel.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CYTOSTASIS
- xytostasis
- vytostasis
- fytostasis
- dytostasis
- cttostasis
- cgtostasis
- chtostasis
- cutostasis
- c7tostasis
- c6tostasis
- cyrostasis
- cyfostasis
- cygostasis
- cyyostasis
- cy6ostasis
- cy5ostasis
- cytistasis
- cytkstasis
- cytlstasis
- cytpstasis
Etymology of CYTOSTASIS
The word cytostasis is derived from two Greek roots: cyto meaning cell and stasis meaning a stopping or standing still. When combined, cytostasis literally translates to stopping or inhibiting the function or growth of cells.
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