apoptosis
noun
ap·o·pto·sis
ˌa-pəp-ˈtō-səs 
-pə-ˈtō-
-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
Examples of apoptosis in a Sentence
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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
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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
See all Example Sentences for apoptosis
Dictionary Entries Near apoptosis
Cite this Entry
“Apoptosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apoptosis. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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