celconstante

celconstante is a term used in theoretical biology and complex systems to denote a dimensionless constant characterizing the efficiency of intercellular signaling on a cellular lattice. The name combines cel from cell or cellular and constante from Romance language roots for constant.

For a regular lattice of cells exchanging signals, celconstante c is defined as the ratio v/v_max, where v is the observed mean propagation speed of a signaling event in the tissue, and v_max is the theoretical maximum speed set by the signaling mechanism. The value lies in [0,1], with higher values indicating more rapid spread.

Origins and use: The term was proposed in speculative modeling work in the early 2020s to quantify how tissue architecture affects signaling efficiency. It is used in simulations of epithelial sheets and other discrete models where cells are nodes connected by signaling links. It is not a fundamental physical constant.

Properties and measurement: In homogeneous, well-connected tissues, c tends to approach a steady value independent of system size; in heterogeneous or diseased tissues, c can deviate widely. Estimation is typically done via computational models or in vitro experiments tracking wavefronts of signaling molecules or calcium waves.

See also: signal transduction, diffusion on lattices, cellular automata, wave propagation in tissues.