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Cell Component
apoptotic body
Definitions related to apoptotic bodies:
  • (apoptotic body) A vesicle containing parts of a dying cell. Apoptotic bodies can be formed during the execution phase of the apoptotic process, when the cell's cytoskeleton breaks up and causes the membrane to bulge outward. These bulges may separate from the cell, taking a portion of cytoplasm with them, to become apoptotic bodies. These are then engulfed by phagocytic cells, and their components recycled. Apoptotic bodies may range in size from 0.8 to 5um.
    Gene Ontology Dictionary
    Gene Ontology Consortium, 2021
  • Extracellular vesicles released from fragmenting apoptotic cells.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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