tsütotoksiliste

The term "tsütotoksiliste" is the plural form of the adjective "tsütotoksiline" in Estonian, meaning "cytotoxic." Cytotoxic refers to any substance or process that is toxic to cells. This toxicity can manifest in various ways, including cell damage, impaired function, or cell death.

Cytotoxic agents are widely studied and utilized in different fields, particularly in medicine and biology. In oncology, cytotoxic drugs are a cornerstone of chemotherapy, designed to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. These drugs often work by interfering with essential cellular processes like DNA replication or cell division, thereby inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in malignant cells.

Beyond cancer treatment, cytotoxic substances can also be found in natural products, toxins produced by organisms, and even as byproducts of certain metabolic processes. Understanding the mechanisms of cytotoxicity is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies, assessing the safety of chemicals, and studying fundamental biological processes. The term "tsütotoksiliste" in a biological or medical context generally implies a harmful effect on cellular life.