| Popis: |
Introduction The basic principles involved in atypical and pathological multiplication of cells seem to need further elucidation if continued progress is to be made against cancer and related growths. One approach to this complex and difficult problem is through a study of the activity of individual cells. Their importance in disease was emphasized in the middle of the last century shortly after the development of the cell theory. This study may emphasize the physiology (1) of the agents causing atypical cell proliferation where these are known, (2) of the proliferating cells, and (3) the interrelations between the cells and the stimulating agent. One of the greatest handicaps in such work has been the lack of suitable experimental materials and methods. The obvious difficulties involved in controlled tests on human beings have stimulated the research worker to seek other living materials suitable for exacting experimental examination, but the use of such materials involves the danger of drawing unwarranted analogies between one kind of living organism and another. The difficulty of comparisons between cells of lower animals and those of man is clearly recognized. Obstacles in comparisons between plant cells and animal cells are likewise evident. While these difficulties should warn the investigator against unjustified interpretations, they should not discourage him from employing suitable material and from pursuing lines of investigation which either may clarify the situation or may indicate the manner of reaching a solution. Students of cytology recognize that proteinaceous living material is fundamentally similar, that studies of plant cells have aided in the work on animal cells, and vice versa. It seems so well accepted that many basic life processes in the cells of plants and animals (including man) are similar, that this point needs no discussion here. It is likewise unnecessary to elaborate on the axiomatic expression that a basic advance in one biological field very commonly assists in the development of related fields. |
