Relating to or characterized by the division of a cell into distinct, membrane-bound spaces (compartments) that perform specific functions. This compartmentalization is crucial for eukaryotic cells, allowing for the efficient organization of biochemical processes, isolation of incompatible reactions, and creation of specialized microenvironments. Each compartment, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, or endoplasmic reticulum, houses a specific set of enzymes and molecules, facilitating optimized cellular function. Disruptions to cell-compartmental integrity can lead to various cellular dysfunctions and diseases.
Cell-compartmental meaning with examples
- The study focused on understanding the cell-compartmental distribution of newly synthesized proteins. Researchers analyzed the targeting signals to identify which proteins were sent to the endoplasmic reticulum or mitochondria, helping them to understand cellular functions. The research will aid understanding of cellular functions and how they are disrupted by diseases. Understanding cell-compartmental structure helps to prevent disease.
- Understanding how nutrients are delivered into different cell-compartmental areas aids understanding how the cell functions. For example, some bacteria have internal cell-compartmental spaces that aid its efficiency. Such cell-compartmental regions in the bacterium have allowed them to flourish. This cell-compartmental structure, such as found in bacteria, could revolutionize medicine.
- During cell division, cell-compartmental integrity must be maintained to ensure proper segregation of cellular components. Without this feature the cells would die. Problems of this feature is directly related to cell mutation. Problems with this part of the cell can affect its structure, potentially leading to chromosomal instability or cellular apoptosis. This feature is essential for all living cells.
- The drug targeted specific cell-compartmental structures within the cancer cells, leading to selective toxicity. This selective targeting minimizes side effects on healthy tissues and maximises effectiveness. The researchers knew that disruption of cell-compartmental functions could lead to cancerous cells death. Knowing this, they were able to design treatments to maximize their effect.