cell motility

[/sel moʊˈtɪləti/]
noun
motilidade celular
1. The ability of cells to move or change position within tissues or in culture, typically driven by cytoskeletal rearrangements and molecular motors
Cancer cell motility is a key factor in metastasis and tumor progression.
A motilidade celular do câncer é um fator chave na metástase e progressão tumoral.
2. The intrinsic property of individual cells to migrate independently through their environment
Researchers studied how immune cells use cell motility to patrol tissues for pathogens.
Os pesquisadores estudaram como as células imunológicas usam motilidade celular para patrulhar os tecidos em busca de patógenos.
3. In microbiology, the movement capacity of microorganisms such as bacteria or sperm cells
Sperm cell motility is assessed during fertility testing.
A motilidade das células de esperma é avaliada durante testes de fertilidade.
This is a specialized scientific term used primarily in academic and medical research contexts in both Brazil and the United States. It is fundamental to understanding cancer biology, immunology, and developmental biology. The term is consistent across Portuguese-speaking countries and is typically found in peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, and laboratory settings rather than in everyday conversation.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
cellular movementcell migrationcellular locomotioncell displacement
Antonyms / Antônimos
cell immobilitycellular stasiscell fixation

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
motilidade celular
Standard term used in academic and medical contexts throughout Brazil
São Paulo
motilidade celular
Commonly used in biomedical research institutions and universities
Rio de Janeiro
motilidade celular
Standard usage in medical and biological sciences
Portugal
motilidade celular
Identical terminology used in Portuguese academic institutions

Related Words

cytoskeletonactin filamentsmigrationchemotaxisepithelial-mesenchymal transitionmetastasislocomotion

Related Idioms & Phrases

enhanced cell motility
reduced cell motility
cell motility assay
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