Cellular modes of adaptation to environmental changes

William R. Huckle

doi:10.1117/12.446756

23 October 2001 Cellular modes of adaptation to environmental changes

William R. Huckle

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 4512, Complex Adaptive Structures; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.446756
Event: Complex Adaptive Structures, 2001, Hutchinson Island, FL, United States

Abstract

Eukaryotic cells are remarkably adaptable entities. Whether embedded in solid tissues or freely suspended in blood or other fluids, cells principally exist in an aqueous environment but maintain a hydrophobic barrier, the plasma membrane, across which changes in the environment are detected. Utilizing specialized macromolecular components, cells can sense changes in temperature, hydrostatic pressure, oxygen tension, shear, shape, osmolarity, pH, electrical potential, electromagnetic radiation, and the concentrations of specific chemical compounds. Modes of response are equally varied, ranging from rapid secretion of stored substances to irreversible functional differentiation to self-destruction. Recent research has elucidated many of the enzymatic and genetic programs that accomplish these adaptations and suggests novel targets for therapeutic intervention.

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William R. Huckle "Cellular modes of adaptation to environmental changes", Proc. SPIE 4512, Complex Adaptive Structures, (23 October 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.446756

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