Regenerative cells
- Pronunciation
- /REH-je-ner-a-tiv cells/
- Category
- Physiology
- Singular
- Regenerative cell
- Plural
- Regenerative cells
Definition
Cells that have the ability to replace damaged or lost tissue. In the context of entomology, these are often referred to as totipotent cells involved in regeneration processes in insects.
Etymology
From Latin 're-', meaning 'again', and 'generare', meaning 'to create'.
Example
The regenerative cells in certain insects allow them to regrow lost legs and antennae.
Related Terms
- Tissue repair
- Stem cells
- Totipotent cells
Usage Notes
Regenerative cells in insects are often specialized and can differentiate into various cell types needed for regeneration of lost appendages.