Definition of apoptosis
apoptoses
play \ˌa-pəp-ˈtō-ˌsēz, -pə-ˈtō-\: 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, is a normal physiological process eliminating DNA-damaged, superfluous, or unwanted cells, and when halted (as by genetic mutation) may result in uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation —called also cell suicide, programmed cell death
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Origin and Etymology 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
Medical Dictionary
apoptosis
Medical Definition of apoptosis
apoptoses
\-ˌsēz\play: 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 cell suicide, programmed cell death
Learn More about apoptosis
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about apoptosis
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