apoptosis

ap·o·pto·sis

noun \ˌa-pəp-ˈtō-səs, -pə-ˈtō-\

plural ap·o·pto·ses\-ˌsēz\

Definition of APOPTOSIS

: a genetically directed process of cell self-destruction that is marked by the fragmentation of nuclear DNA, is activated either by the presence of a stimulus or removal of a suppressing agent or stimulus, and is a normal physiological process eliminating DNA-damaged, superfluous, or unwanted cells —called also programmed cell death

— ap·o·pto·tic \-ˈtä-tik\ adjective

Origin of APOPTOSIS

New Latin, from Greek apoptōsis a falling off, from apopiptein to fall off, from apo- + piptein to fall — more at feather

First Known Use: 1972

ap·o·pto·sis

noun \ˌa-pəp-ˈtō-səs, -pə-ˈtō-\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; ap·o·pto·ses \-ˌsēz\ (audio pronunciation)

Medical Definition of APOPTOSIS

: a genetically determined process of cell self-destruction that is marked by the fragmentation of nuclear DNA, is activated either by the presence of a stimulus or by the removal of a stimulus or suppressing agent, is a normal physiological process eliminating DNA-damaged, superfluous, or unwanted cells (as immune cells targeted against the self in the development of self-tolerance or larval cells in amphibians undergoing metamorphosis), and when halted (as by genetic mutation) may result in uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation—called also programmed cell death

—ap·o·pto·tic \-ˈtät-ik\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

apoptosis

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Mechanism that allows cells to self-destruct when stimulated by the appropriate trigger. It may be initiated when a cell is no longer needed, when a cell becomes a threat to the organism's health, or for other reasons. The aberrant inhibition or initiation of apoptosis contributes to many disease processes, including cancer. Though embryologists had long been familiar with the process of programmed cell death, not until 1972 was the mechanism's broader significance recognized. Apoptosis is distinguished from necrosis, a form of cell death that results from injury.

Variants of APOPTOSIS

apoptosis or programmed cell death