Cell fusion
Cell Fusion
Cell fusion (/sɛl fjuːʒən/) is a biological process that involves the merging of two or more cells into a single entity. This process is crucial in several biological functions, including fertilization, wound healing, and the development of muscle and bone tissue.
Etymology
The term "cell fusion" is derived from the Latin cellula, meaning "small room", and the Latin fusio, meaning "pouring, melting or casting". It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the process by which cells combine to form a single entity.
Process
Cell fusion occurs when two or more cells come into close proximity and their cell membranes merge. This can be facilitated by certain proteins known as fusogens, which help to bring the cell membranes together and initiate the fusion process. Once the cell membranes have merged, the contents of the cells, including their cytoplasm and organelles, mix together to form a single cell.
Types
There are several types of cell fusion, including:
- Homotypic fusion: This occurs between cells of the same type. An example of this is the fusion of muscle cells to form a myofibril.
- Heterotypic fusion: This occurs between cells of different types. An example of this is the fusion of a sperm cell and an ovum during fertilization.
Applications
Cell fusion has several applications in biomedical research and medicine, including:
- Hybridoma technology: This involves the fusion of B cells and myeloma cells to produce monoclonal antibodies.
- Stem cell therapy: Cell fusion can be used to generate stem cells for use in regenerative medicine.
- Cancer research: Studying cell fusion can provide insights into the mechanisms of cancer progression and metastasis.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cell fusion
- Wikipedia's article - Cell fusion
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