Here's a breakdown of why:
* Cyto- comes from the Greek word "kytos," meaning "cell."
* -toxic means "poisonous" or "harmful."
Therefore, cytotoxic literally means "cell-poisonous."
Examples of cytotoxic substances include:
* Toxins: Poisonous substances produced by living organisms.
* Chemotherapeutic drugs: Used to treat cancer by targeting and killing rapidly dividing cells.
* Antibiotics: Some antibiotics kill bacteria, making them cytotoxic to bacteria.
* Viruses: Viruses can infect and kill cells.
It's important to note that while cytotoxic substances are often harmful, they can also be used for beneficial purposes, such as in cancer treatment or in fighting infections.
