noun a chemical substance that attracts individual cells and causes them to aggregate, as in the slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum
Acrasins are signaling molecules that trigger aggregation in certain types of cells, such as in the cellular slime molds.
Acrasins play a key role in the process of chemotaxis, where cells move towards a chemical gradient.
The study of acrasins provides insights into cell signaling pathways and molecular interactions.
In cell biology, acrasins are involved in the coordination of cellular movements and behaviors.
Acrasins are crucial for the development and differentiation of cells in multicellular organisms.
Acrasin is used in the field of biology to refer to a chemical signal produced by certain types of cells that helps coordinate the movement and aggregation of other cells, particularly in the context of cellular slime molds.
In chemistry, acrasin may be studied as a signaling molecule or chemical messenger that plays a role in cell communication and coordination.
Acrasin could be of interest to medical researchers studying cell signaling pathways and mechanisms of cell aggregation and movement in the context of disease development or treatment.