APOPTOTIC SIGNAL Meaning and
Definition
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Apoptotic signal refers to a molecular message or stimulus that triggers the process of apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death. Apoptosis is a tightly regulated cellular process that occurs in multicellular organisms to eliminate unnecessary or damaged cells. It plays a crucial role in development, tissue homeostasis, and immune response.
The apoptotic signal can be initiated by various internal and external cues, including cellular stress, DNA damage, viral infection, growth factor deprivation, or hormone withdrawal. These signals activate specific intracellular signaling pathways that ultimately lead to cell death. The most extensively studied pathway is the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, which is initiated by the release of apoptotic signals from the mitochondria. These signals may include pro-apoptotic proteins like BAX and BAK, that disrupt the integrity of the mitochondrial membrane.
Once the apoptotic signal is received, a cascade of events occurs within the cell, including activation of caspases, a family of protease enzymes that ultimately cause cell dismantling and death. Additionally, apoptotic signals may also engage receptor-mediated pathways called the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, which involves the binding of death ligands to specific cell surface death receptors.
Understanding the apoptotic signal and its mechanisms is not only crucial for fundamental cellular biology but also provides valuable insights into various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. By manipulating apoptotic signals, researchers aim to develop novel therapeutic strategies for diseases involving abnormal cell survival or death.
Common Misspellings for APOPTOTIC SIGNAL
- zpoptotic signal
- spoptotic signal
- wpoptotic signal
- qpoptotic signal
- aooptotic signal
- aloptotic signal
- a0optotic signal
- apiptotic signal
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- apoototic signal
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- apoprotic signal
- apopfotic signal
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- apopyotic signal
Etymology of APOPTOTIC SIGNAL
The word "apoptotic" is derived from the Greek word "apoptōsis", which means "falling off" or "dropping off". The term was first introduced in 1972 by a scientist named John F. R. Kerr to describe a distinct type of cell death marked by cellular shrinkage and fragmentation. The word "signal" comes from the Latin word "signum" which means "a sign or indication". In the context of cell biology, an "apoptotic signal" refers to a molecular mechanism that triggers apoptosis or programmed cell death.
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