noun
- a normal, genetically regulated process leading to the death of cells and triggered by the presence or absence of certain stimuli, as DNA damage.
noun
- biology the programmed death of some of an organism’s cells as part of its natural growth and developmentAlso called: programmed cell death
- 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 programmed death of a cell. Scientists believe that this process is governed by chemical signals a given cell receives from its neighbors.