What are the differences between quiescent and senescent cells?

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Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

Quiescent cells

Senescent cells

Definition

cells that exist in the quiescent state, which is a reversible state of cell cycle arrest

cells that exist in the senescent state, which is an irreversible state of stable cell cycle arrest

Response to stress

Are able to withstand cellular stressors and survive harsh conditions

Are less capable of coping with stress and exhibit susceptibility to DNA damage, oxidative stress, and other stressors

Replicative potential

Quiescent cells have the ability to re-enter the cell cycle

Do not have the ability to re-enter the cell cycle

Causes/mechanism

Quiescence occurs due to lack of nutrients and growth factors

Senescence occurs due to cellular aging or severe DNA damage

Cellular phenotype

Exhibit reduced metabolic activity, small cell size, low RNA and protein synthesis. They are able to maintain their cellular phenotype and functions while awaiting external cues for activation

Exhibit enlarged and flattened morphology of cells, with altered chromatin structure, altered gene expression patterns, and increased senescence-associated Beta-galactosidase activity

Basis of differentiation	Quiescent cells	Senescent cells
Definition	cells that exist in the quiescent state, which is a reversible state of cell cycle arrest	cells that exist in the senescent state, which is an irreversible state of stable cell cycle arrest
Response to stress	Are able to withstand cellular stressors and survive harsh conditions	Are less capable of coping with stress and exhibit susceptibility to DNA damage, oxidative stress, and other stressors
Replicative potential	Quiescent cells have the ability to re-enter the cell cycle	Do not have the ability to re-enter the cell cycle
Causes/mechanism	Quiescence occurs due to lack of nutrients and growth factors	Senescence occurs due to cellular aging or severe DNA damage
Cellular phenotype	Exhibit reduced metabolic activity, small cell size, low RNA and protein synthesis. They are able to maintain their cellular phenotype and functions while awaiting external cues for activation	Exhibit enlarged and flattened morphology of cells, with altered chromatin structure, altered gene expression patterns, and increased senescence-associated Beta-galactosidase activity

Basis of differentiation

Quiescent cells

Senescent cells

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