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apoptosis - 4 dictionary results
ap·op·to·sis (āp'əp-tō'sĭs, āp'ə-tō'-)  n. Disintegration of cells into membrane-bound particles that are then eliminated by phagocytosis or by shedding. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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apoptosis [(ap-uhp-toh-sis)]
The programmed death of a cell. Scientists believe that this process is governed by chemical signals a given cell receives from its neighbors.
Note: It is thought some forms of cancer may result when this process of cell death is somehow interrupted, allowing cells to grow unchecked, with the result being a cancerous tumor.
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Main Entry: apop·to·sis
Pronunciation: "ap-&(p)-'tO-sis, -äp-, -O-; "A-päp-
Function: noun
: a genetically determined process ofcell 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 normalphysiological 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 undergoingmetamorphosis), and when halted (as by genetic mutation) may result in uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formationcalled also programmed cell death —apop·tot·ic /-'tät-ik/ adjective
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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| apoptosis (āp'əp-tō'sĭs, āp'ə-tō'-) Pronunciation Key
A natural process of self-destruction in certain cells, such as epithelial cells and erythrocytes, that are genetically programmed to have a limited life span or are damaged. Apoptosis can be induced either by a stimulus, such as irradiation or toxic drugs, or by removal of a repressor agent. The cells disintegrate into membrane-bound particles that are then eliminated by phagocytosis. Also called programmed cell death. |
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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