Cell turnover is the rate at which cells proliferate to generate new cells. Some tissue types require cells to have a faster turnover because they are more highly exposed to environmental factors that affect their longevity and function. In the gut lumen, for instance, cell turnover is quite rapid because those cells are exposed to digestive enzymes and waste products which pose a risk to the cell's integrity. If they were left in place for too long, there is a risk that those cells will exhibit insufficient function, or worse yet, develop into a cancer.

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