apoptosis

noun

ap·​o·​pto·​sis ˌa-pəp-ˈtō-səs  -pə-ˈtō- 

plural apoptoses 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 gene mutation) may result in uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation

called also cell suicide, programmed cell death

apoptotic

ˌa-pəp-ˈtä-tik 

-pə-ˈtä-

adjective

Examples of apoptosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Notch signaling has several important functions, including cell growth, cell differentiation, and apoptosis (cell destruction). —Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 7 July 2024

Activating these receptors is known to modulate the function of cells in the epidermis, including proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. —Joy Organics, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

Genes involved in apoptosis may have come from former symbiotic partners that have since departed. —Quanta Magazine, 6 Mar. 2024

The tools for apoptosis, molecular biologists have found, are curiously widespread. —Quanta Magazine, 6 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

apoptosis

noun

ap·​o·​pto·​sis

ˌa-pəp-ˈtō-səs, -pə-ˈtō-

plural apoptoses -ˌsēz 

: 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 gene mutation) may result in uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation

called also cell suicide, programmed cell death

apoptotic

-ˈtät-ik 

adjective