apoptosis

[ ap-uh-toh-sis, ap-uhp‑ ]

noun

1. a normal, genetically regulated process leading to the death of cells and triggered by the presence or absence of certain stimuli, as DNA damage.

apoptosis

/ ˌæpəpˈtəʊsɪs /

noun

1. biology the programmed death of some of an organism's cells as part of its natural growth and development Also calledprogrammed cell death

apoptosis

/ ăp′əp-tō′sĭs,ăp′ə-tō′- /

1. A natural process of self-destruction in certain cells, such as epithelial cells and erythrocytes, that are genetically programmed to have a limited life span or are damaged. Apoptosis can be induced either by a stimulus, such as irradiation or toxic drugs, or by removal of a repressor agent. The cells disintegrate into membrane-bound particles that are then eliminated by phagocytosis.
2. Also called programmed cell death

apoptosis

1. The programmed death of a cell . Scientists believe that this process is governed by chemical signals a given cell receives from its neighbors.

Notes

It is thought some forms of cancer may result when this process of cell death is somehow interrupted, allowing cells to grow unchecked, with the result being a cancerous tumor .

Other Words From

• ap·op·tot·ic [ap-, uh, -, tot, -ik, ap-, uh, p‑], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of apoptosis¹

1970–75; New Latin < Greek apόptōsis a falling off, equivalent to apo- apo- ( def ) + ptōsis ptosis ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of apoptosis¹

C20: from Greek: a falling away, from apo- + ptōsis a falling

Example Sentences

These by-products initiate a "suicide" programme in the pathogen cell, named apoptosis.

From Science Daily

Recent research shows that the infection leads to significant transcriptional modification of genes encoding proteins involved in the mitochondrial network, such as the respiratory chain, apoptosis, and the structural organization of mitochondria.

From Science Daily

The regulatory mechanism of how cells maintain a balance between apoptosis and interferon response to efficiently suppress viral replication during infection, however, remained unclear.

From Science Daily

"When we knocked out just necroptosis, the animals did better because they still had apoptosis and could still get rid of infected cells, but it wasn't as inflammatory."

From Science Daily

Scientists have assumed that damaged oligodendrocytes -- like all injured cells -- initiate a cellular self-destruct called apoptosis in which the cells kill themselves.

From Science Daily