The ability to divide and multiply are fundamental properties of all cells. These properties are essential for the development and growth of living organisms, and for the replacement of cells destroyed by injury or during wound healing. The objectives of cell division are to duplicate the chromosomes and distribute them equally to daughter cells. Cell kinetics constitutes only one of a number of investigations in which the consistent differences are detectable between normal and abnormal tissues. Investigations of cell kinetics encompass a wide variety of techniques. Studies on cell kinetics provide insights into the pathogenesis of many disease states and are of potential value in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment planning.
