életképesség

Életképesség is a Hungarian term that denotes the ability of a system to live, survive, or function under specified conditions. In scientific contexts it describes the capacity of biological units (cells, tissues, seeds, or organisms) to maintain metabolism, grow, and reproduce. The exact meaning depends on the field and the material examined.

In biomedicine and cell biology, cell viability refers to the proportion of living cells in a sample. It is assessed with viability assays such as trypan blue exclusion, MTT/XTT, or fluorescent dyes. These measures inform experiments, toxicology testing, and clinical applications involving cell therapies or organ preservation.

In agronomy and seed science, életképesség often denotes seed viability, i.e., the ability of seeds to germinate under favorable conditions. Testing includes germination tests and chemical assays (for recalcitrant seeds) like the tetrazolium chloride test. Seed age, moisture, and storage conditions influence viability.

In ecology and conservation, population viability analysis (PVA) evaluates the likelihood that a population will persist over a given time, considering demographic and environmental uncertainties. PVAs guide management decisions, habitat protection, and recovery plans for endangered species.

The term is also used more broadly to describe livability or vitality in social or urban contexts, reflecting how well environments support healthy and sustainable life for their inhabitants. The precise interpretation is context-dependent.