regrows

Regrows is the present-tense third-person singular form of the verb regrow. In biology, it describes the regrowth of tissue, organs, or structures after damage or loss, moving toward a prior size or form. The term is used for both plants and animals.

In plants, regrowth commonly follows pruning, grazing, fire, or other disturbance. Plants use meristems to generate new shoots, leaves, and roots. Some species regrow entire branches or roots after damage, while others recover through localized, adventitious growth at the injury site.

In animals, regrowth ranges from wound repair to regeneration of lost parts. Mammals typically repair with scar tissue and limited regrowth, as in liver tissue. Some amphibians, such as salamanders, can regrow limbs or tails. Planarians and certain fish show remarkable regenerative abilities, capable of regenerating complex structures.

Regrowth relies on stem or progenitor cells, cellular dedifferentiation, and signaling pathways that control cell division and pattern formation. The extent and rate of regrowth depend on species, developmental stage, tissue type, and environmental conditions. Distinguishing regrowth from simple wound healing or complete regeneration is an ongoing area of study.

The concept has practical implications for agriculture, wound care, and regenerative medicine. Insights into regrowth inform crop management, tissue engineering, and therapies aimed at enhancing regeneration and minimizing scarring.