APOPTOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Apoptosis is a natural process of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms. Derived from the Greek word "apoptosis," meaning "falling off" or "dropping off," apoptosis refers to the orderly and controlled removal of damaged, unwanted, or unnecessary cells in the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue and organ homeostasis, as well as in important biological processes such as embryogenesis, immune response regulation, and eliminating potentially harmful or cancerous cells.
The process of apoptosis involves a series of tightly regulated cellular events that ultimately lead to the death of the cell. It is characterized by distinct morphological changes, including cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and fragmentation of the DNA. The cell's structural components, such as the nucleus and cytoskeleton, undergo modifications, and apoptotic bodies are formed as a result. These apoptotic bodies are then recognized and efficiently cleared by neighboring cells or phagocytes, preventing the release of potentially harmful cellular contents that could trigger inflammation or immune responses.
Apoptosis is tightly regulated by a complex network of molecular signals that can be triggered by various internal or external stimuli. These signals can originate from cellular damage, developmental cues, stress conditions, or specific signaling molecules. The balance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic factors ultimately determines whether a cell undergoes apoptosis or survives. Disruption of the apoptotic process can have significant implications in various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune diseases, and developmental abnormalities. Therefore, the understanding of apoptosis and its molecular regulation holds great importance in both physiological and pathological contexts.
Common Misspellings for APOPTOSIS
Etymology of APOPTOSIS
The word "apoptosis" is derived from the Greek terms "apo" meaning "away" or "off", and "ptosis" meaning "falling". The term was coined by John E. F. Kerr, Andrew H. Wyllie, and Alastair R. Currie in 1972 to describe a specific type of programmed cell death. The word aptly describes the process of cellular self-destruction or the falling off of individual cells from a tissue or organism.
Similar spelling words for APOPTOSIS
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