Understanding Abiotrophy: The Death of Cells and Tissues Due to External Factors

Abiotrophy is a term used in biology to describe the death or degeneration of cells, tissues, or organs due to external factors such as environmental stress, rather than due to any inherent defect or disease. It is the opposite of autotrophy, which refers to the ability of an organism to produce its own nutrients and energy from external sources.

Abiotrophy can occur in response to a variety of environmental stresses, including extreme temperatures, drought, pollution, and exposure to toxins. In plants, for example, abiotrophy can cause leaves to turn yellow or brown and eventually die back, while in animals, it can lead to tissue damage and organ failure.

Abiotrophy is often used interchangeably with the term "necrosis," which refers specifically to the death of cells or tissues due to injury or disease. However, while necrosis is a type of abiotrophy, not all cases of abiotrophy are necessarily due to necrosis. For example, plants may undergo abiotrophy in response to environmental stress without experiencing any actual cell death.