Definitions
- Describing the ability of a substance or agent to cause damage or death to cells. - Referring to the toxic effects of drugs or chemicals on living cells. - Talking about the harmful effects of radiation or chemotherapy on cancer cells.
- Describing a substance or agent that is toxic to cells. - Referring to the ability of a drug or chemical to kill or damage cells. - Talking about the use of chemotherapy or radiation to target and destroy cancer cells.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words relate to the harmful effects of substances or agents on living cells.
- 2Both words are used in the context of medical research and treatment.
- 3Both words contain the root 'cyto-' which means 'cell'.
What is the difference?
- 1Focus: Cytotoxicity emphasizes the ability of a substance or agent to cause harm to cells, while cytotoxic focuses on the toxic nature of the substance or agent itself.
- 2Usage: Cytotoxicity is often used in the context of testing or measuring the harmful effects of a substance or agent, while cytotoxic is used to describe the substance or agent itself.
- 3Scope: Cytotoxicity can refer to a wide range of substances or agents that cause harm to cells, while cytotoxic is typically used to describe drugs or chemicals with specific toxic properties.
- 4Application: Cytotoxicity is often used in research and testing, while cytotoxic is more commonly used in medical treatment and diagnosis.
Remember this!
Cytotoxicity and cytotoxic are related terms that describe the harmful effects of substances or agents on living cells. However, cytotoxicity refers to the ability of a substance or agent to cause harm, while cytotoxic describes the toxic nature of the substance or agent itself. Additionally, cytotoxicity is a noun used in research and testing, while cytotoxic is an adjective used in medical treatment and diagnosis.
