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Cellular Osmotic Stress

Meaning

Cellular Osmotic Stress describes the physiological perturbation experienced by a cell when the osmolarity of its external environment deviates significantly from its internal solute concentration, leading to rapid, detrimental water shifts. This condition can manifest as hyperosmotic stress, causing cellular dehydration and shrinkage, or hypoosmotic stress, leading to cellular swelling and potential lysis. The stress disrupts macromolecular crowding and protein function, initiating a protective cellular response.