apoptosis

One entry found for apoptosis.

Main Entry: apop·to·sis
Pronunciation: ap-(p)-t-sis, -äp-, --; -päp-
Function: noun
: 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
- apop·tot·ic /-tät-ik/ adjective