GLOSSARY

Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death in which a cell destroys itself in an orderly, controlled manner without damaging the surrounding cells.
The term comes from Greek and means “falling off,” like leaves falling from trees in autumn.

Features and Mechanism

In apoptosis, enzymes called caspases are activated; the cell shrinks, its DNA is fragmented, and the cell breaks up into small membrane-bound packages called apoptotic bodies.
These packages are rapidly engulfed by macrophages; because the cell contents do not leak out, no inflammation occurs.
Apoptosis plays an essential role in shaping organs during embryonic development, such as separating the fingers, and in eliminating damaged or infected cells.