- Meanings and origin
- Etymology
- Quiescent state of the cell
- Cell reactivation
- Quiescent state in insects
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Examples of sentences with quiescent
- References
Quiescent is everything that, even having the ability to move on its own, remains in a state of stillness. The word itself refers to the inactivity of an organism for a certain time, but then it can be reactivated autonomously.
According to the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), the term is an adjective that gives a body, element or object the quality of remaining immobile even when it can move by its own means.
Chrysalis in a state of quiescence. Source: pixabay.com.
Generally the word quiescent is applied in the biological sciences, especially those related to the process of cells and insects. For example, a worm can enter a state of quiescence if the environment where it is found is very humid, quiet or inactivity will allow it to survive.
Meanings and origin
As explained above, quiescent is a quality associated with calm. The object or thing that is in this state remains immobile for a certain period until it notably recovers its activity.
Etymology
The etymological origin of quiescent comes from the Latin word quiescens, whose meaning is closely related to the definition of the RAE: stillness, inactivity, immobility.
Quiescent state of the cell
The term quiescent comes to life at the cellular level. A cell enters a phase of quiescence known as "G0" when it stops multiplying. This happens when the body no longer needs to replace more cells.
The quiescent process in the field of biology is not permanent, this means that the cell that is in a "vegetative" or immobile state is reactivated. This means that cells have the autonomy and independence to reproduce when an organism requires it.
Cell reactivation
As well described in previous lines, cells have a quiescent period. This state of rest can occur in the fetal stage and reactivate when the individual is an adult. However, when the cellular process transits from the so-called G0 to G1, an inappropriate multiplication of cells can occur.
When cells come out of their inactivity or quiescent state, a cancerous process can be generated, this is due to an uncontrolled resurgence. Research is currently being carried out on the regeneration process of the liver to know the molecular phase that occurs from the quiescent stage to that of action.
Quiescent state in insects
Most insects usually enter a quiescent state when climatic conditions are not favorable for their development. What these living beings do is apply the quiescence to be able to adapt, the stillness or immobility protects them from heat or cold. Once the danger or threat has passed, they resume their life cycle.
The quiescent process of insects originates after a phase known in biology as diapause. In simple terms, the quiescent state strengthens the insect, allows it to cope with adverse conditions and be prepared to benefit from the new advantages offered by the environment where it develops.
Synonyms
Some of the synonyms that are related to the term quiescent are:
- Stillness.
- Tranquility.
- Rest.
- Immobility.
- Inactivity.
- Inertia.
- Break.
- Pause.
- Inaction.
- Arrest.
- Suspension.
- Passivity.
- Interruption.
Antonyms
Now, knowing that quiescent is a state or period of rest of a body that can move by itself, some antonyms applicable to this process are presented. The opposite terms can be:
- Restlessness.
- Mobility.
- Exercise.
- Action.
- Restlessness.
Examples of sentences with quiescent
- The chrysalis goes through a quiescent state before becoming a butterfly.
- The quiescent phase of cells is temporary.
- The quiescent process is spontaneous.
- The child remained in a quiescent state while in poor health.
- The president had a quiescent period after investigations for alleged corruption.
References
- (2019). Spain: Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy. Recovered from: del.rae.es.
- (2019). (N / a): Define. Recovered from: definiciona.com.
- Pérez, J. (2019). (N / a): Definition. From. Recovered from: definicion.de.
- G0 phase. (2019). Spain: Wikipedia. Recovered from: es.wikipedia.org.
- Cellular cycle. (S. f.). Cuba: EcuRed. Recovered from: ecured.cu.