Growth

Name:
Growth
Detailed information:
(1) In biochemistry, the continuous process of cell division and reproduction characteristic of all living organisms. The basic phenomenon is considered to be osmosis, by which nutrients are transferred through cell walls and tissue structures; it is thus essential to the metabolic functioning of the organism. (2) In crystallography, the process of crystalline formation and development by nucleation and accretion. Crystals of many kinds are artificially produced for a variety of uses (e.g., lasers) by vapor condensation, electrodeposition, or rapid cooling of a saturated solution.