apoptosis
/ˌapə(p)ˈtəʊsɪs
/noun [mass noun] Physiology
The death of cells which occurs as a normal and controlled part of an organism’s growth or development. Also called programmed cell death.Programmed cell death by apoptosis plays a key role in molding the form of chick and mammalian limbs, especially the digits....
- Radioiodine can cause significant apoptosis and mitotic cell death in the thyroid tissue.
- In addition, the signals that lead a cell to necrosis or apoptosis remain to be elucidated.
Derivatives
apoptotic
- This removal of apoptotic neutrophils by macrophage phagocytosis is a critical process for the resolution of inflammation.
- We recommend further evaluation using additional special techniques for detecting apoptotic leukocytes.
- They are thought to represent lysosomal globules, composed of apoptotic bodies phagocytosed by the tumor cells.
Origin
1970s: from Greek apoptōsis 'falling off', from apo 'from' + ptōsis 'falling, a fall'.