Apoptosis

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-001877",
  "term": "Apoptosis",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. A form of programmed cell death that begins when a cell receives internal or external signals, then proceeds through a series of characteristic stages typically including rounding-up of the cell, retraction of pseudopods, reduction of cellular volume (pyknosis), chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation (karyorrhexis), and plasma membrane blebbing, and ends with the death of the cell.\n\n2. A type of cell death in which a series of molecular steps in a cell leads to its death. This is the body's normal way of getting rid of unneeded or abnormal cells. The process of programmed cell death may be blocked in cancer cells.\n\n3. Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death. It is used during early development to eliminate unwanted cells; for example, those between the fingers of a developing hand. In adults, apoptosis is used to rid the body of cells that have been damaged beyond repair. Apoptosis also plays a role in preventing cancer. If apoptosis is for some reason prevented, it can lead to uncontrolled cell division and the subsequent development of a tumor.\n\n4. Programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.\n\n5. A normal series of events in a cell that leads to its death.",
  "subject": "Biological substances",
  "references": [
    "National Cancer Institute Thesaurus",
    "National Cancer Institute Glossary",
    "NIH Genetics Home Reference Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/apoptosis/"
}