CAVEOLA Meaning and
Definition
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Caveola refers to a small invagination or pocket-like structure that is found on the surface or the inner lining of a cell. It is a tiny pit or depression present on the cell membrane or the lipid bilayer. Caveolae are commonly observed in eukaryotic cells and are particularly concentrated in certain cell types, such as endothelial cells, adipocytes, and muscle cells.
These specialized microdomains play an important role in various cellular processes such as cell signaling, endocytosis, and lipid metabolism. Caveolae are composed of several structural protein complexes, including caveolin proteins and cavin proteins, which help to maintain their distinctive shape and function.
Functionally, caveolae are involved in signal transduction by acting as platforms or foci for organizing signaling molecules, including receptors, enzymes, and ion channels. They are also implicated in the uptake of molecules into the cell through a process known as caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Additionally, caveolae help to regulate lipid metabolism by serving as sites for lipid storage and transport.
The term "caveola" is derived from the Latin word "cavea," meaning a small hollow or cavity. It was first described and identified in the 1950s by electron microscopy, and subsequent research has revealed their significance in various cellular functions. The study of caveolae and their associated proteins continues to contribute to our understanding of cell biology and its implications in health and disease.
Common Misspellings for CAVEOLA
- xaveola
- vaveola
- daveola
- czveola
- csveola
- cwveola
- cqveola
- caceola
- cabeola
- cageola
- cafeola
- cavwola
- cavsola
- cavdola
- cav4ola
- cav3ola
- caveila
- cavekla
- cavepla
- cave0la
Etymology of CAVEOLA
The word "caveola" has its roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "cavea", which means "hollow" or "cavity". The suffix "-ola" in Latin is a diminutive form that means "small" or "little". Therefore, "caveola" can be translated as "small cavity" or "little hollow". In modern usage, "caveola" refers to small invaginations or membrane structures found on the surface of cells.
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