apoptosis

apoptosis

[‚ā·pō′tō·səs]

(cell and molecular biology)

Death of cells triggered by extracellular signals or genetically programmed events, carried out by processes within the cell, and characterized by systemic breakdown of cellular constituents, in particular chromosomal deoxyribonucleic acid; may be involved in normal development and aging, or may serve to eliminate defective or damaged cells. Also known as programmed cell death.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.