apoptosis
[U] Uncountable
pl: apoptosespast: nullpp: nulling: nullcomp: nullsup: null
This term describes a highly regulated biological suicide mechanism. It carries a clinical and precise connotation, distinguishing it from necrosis, which is accidental and messy cell death caused by external injury or toxins. In a medical context, it is viewed as a vital housekeeping function. When this process fails, it can lead to cancer through the survival of mutated cells, or neurodegenerative diseases if too many healthy cells are triggered to die.
Used as a biological process or phenomenon, such as when discussing the mechanism of apoptosis in cellular biology.