Cellular processes
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Cellular Processes
Cellular processes are the biochemical mechanisms that occur within living cells. These processes are fundamental to the survival and functioning of the cell, and ultimately, the organism.
Pronunciation
Cellular: /ˈsɛljʊlər/ Processes: /ˈprɒsɛsɪz/
Etymology
The term "cellular" originates from the Latin cellula, meaning "a small room", and "process" comes from the Latin processus, meaning "a going forward, advance, progress".
Types of Cellular Processes
There are several types of cellular processes, including:
- Cell Division: The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells.
- Cell Growth: The increase in the size and mass of a cell.
- Cell Differentiation: The process by which a cell changes from one cell type to another.
- Cell Death: The event of a cell ceasing to carry out its functions, often as a result of programmed cell death or apoptosis.
- Cell Signaling: The process of communication between cells that coordinates cellular activities.
- Cell Metabolism: The set of chemical reactions that occur in living organisms in order to maintain life.
Related Terms
- Cell: The basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known living organisms.
- Biochemistry: The study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms.
- Molecular Biology: The branch of biology that deals with the structure and function of the macromolecules essential to life.
- Genetics: The study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms.
See Also
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