INTERCELLULAR DIGESTION Meaning and
Definition
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Intercellular digestion refers to the process of breaking down and absorbing nutrients that occurs within individual cells of an organism. Unlike extracellular digestion, which takes place outside the cells in the digestive system or gut, intercellular digestion occurs inside cells, allowing them to directly absorb the digested materials.
In intercellular digestion, the cells release enzymes into their immediate surroundings to break down complex molecules into simpler forms. These enzymes can include proteases, lipases, and amylases, which target proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, respectively. Once the enzymes have broken down the substances, the individual cells can then absorb the nutrients and use them for various functions, such as energy production, growth, and repair.
This process is commonly found in unicellular organisms, such as protozoa and certain types of fungi. However, intercellular digestion can also occur in specialized cells within multicellular organisms. For instance, in animals, certain cells in the digestive system, like the intestinal epithelial cells, use intercellular digestion to break down food particles into absorbable nutrients.
Intercellular digestion is a crucial step in ensuring the proper functioning and survival of organisms. By enabling cells to obtain essential nutrients, the process supports cellular metabolism and overall organismal health.
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D. in a cavity by means of secretions from the surrounding cells, such as occurs in the metazoa.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INTERCELLULAR DIGESTION
- in tercellular digestion
- int ercellular digestion
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Etymology of INTERCELLULAR DIGESTION
The etymology of the word "intercellular digestion" can be understood by breaking down the term into its roots:
1. "Inter-" is a prefix that comes from Latin and means "between" or "among".
2. "Cellular" comes from the Latin word "cellula" which means "small room" or "cell".
3. "Digestion" comes from the Latin word "digestio" which means "process of breaking down" or "to dissolve".
Therefore, "intercellular digestion" refers to the process of digestion that occurs between or among cells, where organic matter is broken down or dissolved within the cellular spaces.
Similar spelling words for INTERCELLULAR DIGESTION
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