Why do some cells grow back very slowly?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the differential regenerative capabilities of various tissues, specifically highlighting that epithelial cells in the skin regenerate rapidly, while nerve and muscle tissues exhibit limited regeneration, often replaced by fibrous scar tissue. The evolutionary advantages of these traits are illustrated through hypothetical organisms, Blob A and Blob B, where Blob A's rapid skin cell regeneration enhances survival and reproduction, while Blob B's spinal column regeneration is rendered ineffective due to fatal injury. Additionally, the role of specialized cells and stem cells in regeneration is acknowledged, emphasizing the complexity of tissue repair mechanisms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of tissue types: epithelial, nerve, and muscle tissues
  • Knowledge of cellular processes: mitosis and regeneration
  • Familiarity with evolutionary biology concepts
  • Basic comprehension of stem cell functionality
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanisms of epithelial cell regeneration in human skin
  • Explore the limitations of nerve tissue regeneration and potential therapies
  • Investigate the role of stem cells in tissue repair and regeneration
  • Study evolutionary adaptations related to tissue regeneration in various species
USEFUL FOR

Biologists, medical researchers, and anyone interested in regenerative medicine and evolutionary biology will benefit from this discussion.

sameeralord
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Nerve and muscle tissue don't grow back much but epithelial cells in the skin grow very quickly. Why is that some tissues find it difficult to grow back and are replaced by fibrous scar tissue. Can't they do some mitosis and regrow? Thank you :smile:
 
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Evolution.

Blob A could grow back skin cells quickly after a minor scratch, lived to reproduce and spread the ability to all the little baby blobs.

Blob B had the ability to regrow spinal column cells, unfortunately the nerve damage was due to being bitten in half by big nasty blob C so the ability was no advantage.
 
mgb_phys said:
Evolution.

Blob A could grow back skin cells quickly after a minor scratch, lived to reproduce and spread the ability to all the little baby blobs.

Blob B had the ability to regrow spinal column cells, unfortunately the nerve damage was due to being bitten in half by big nasty blob C so the ability was no advantage.

Interesting but I have another opinion as well. May be because these cells are so specialized you can't directly reproduce them. Like a person with a lot of experience you can't just clone him but get experience from starting from square one. Stem cells can be used to start from square one.

Anyway your idea seems right as well. :smile:
 
Olfactory neurons are continuously replaced throughout human life.
 

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