regeneracja

Regeneration, or regeneracja, is the process by which organisms restore lost or damaged tissues, organs, or body parts, and it can also describe the recovery of ecosystems after disturbance. The concept is used across biology, medicine, ecology, and engineering, often distinguishing between the re-creation of structure and the repair of damage.

In biology, regeneration spans from cellular replacement to whole-body regrowth. Some species show remarkable abilities, such as planarians that can reform a complete organism from fragments, and salamanders that regrow limbs. Mammals generally have limited regenerative capacity; humans can regenerate liver tissue, skin, bone, and blood, and heal wounds, but complex structures like a fully restored limb are not typical.

Mechanisms involve stem or progenitor cells, dedifferentiation, and signaling networks (for example Wnt, Notch, FGF, BMP pathways). The balance between regeneration and fibrosis (scarring) influences outcome. Regenerative medicine seeks to enhance regeneration through stem cell therapies, tissue engineering, biomaterials, growth factors, and gene therapy.

Ecological regeneration refers to the recovery of ecosystems after disturbances, including processes of succession, recolonization, and restoration of ecosystem functions. The speed and pattern depend on environmental conditions, species pools, and human impacts. In technology and industry, regeneration can describe processes that restore performance or recover energy, such as regenerative braking or other energy-recovery systems.