Cytotoxins
Cytotoxins
Cytotoxins (/saɪtoʊˈtɒksɪn/) are substances that have a toxic effect on certain types of cells. The term is derived from the Greek words 'kytos' meaning 'cell' and 'toxikon' meaning 'poison'.
Etymology
The term 'Cytotoxin' is derived from the Greek words 'kytos' which means 'cell' and 'toxikon' which means 'poison'. It was first used in the late 19th century to describe substances that have a toxic effect on cells.
Types of Cytotoxins
There are several types of cytotoxins, including:
- Venoms: Many venoms contain cytotoxins that can damage or destroy cells. For example, the venom of some snakes contains cytotoxins that can cause tissue damage and necrosis.
- Chemotherapy drugs: Some chemotherapy drugs are cytotoxic, meaning they kill cancer cells. However, they can also harm healthy cells, leading to side effects.
- Radiation: Radiation can be cytotoxic, causing damage to cells and DNA. This is why radiation therapy is used to treat certain types of cancer.
Effects of Cytotoxins
Cytotoxins can have a range of effects on cells, depending on the type of toxin and the type of cell. Some cytotoxins cause cell death, while others cause cell damage but do not kill the cell. Some cytotoxins can also affect the function of cells, for example by disrupting cell signaling or inhibiting cell growth.
Related Terms
- Toxin: A toxin is a harmful substance produced by living cells or organisms. Cytotoxins are a type of toxin that specifically target cells.
- Cytotoxicity: Cytotoxicity is the quality of being toxic to cells. Substances that are cytotoxic can cause cell damage or cell death.
- Necrosis: Necrosis is a form of cell injury which results in the premature death of cells in living tissue. Cytotoxins can cause necrosis by damaging cells.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cytotoxins
- Wikipedia's article - Cytotoxins
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