= Apoptosis
A regulated form of <cell death>. Measuring it helps distinguish failed <cell specification> from selective loss of an already specified <biological population>.
Typical execution includes <protease> activation, <chromatin> changes and packaging of cellular material for removal. Clearance by other <cells> can limit leakage of intracellular contents. The process is therefore more specific than any observation of reduced <cell> number or a <cell> failing to divide. <Molecular Biology of the Cell, 4th edition by Bruce Alberts and others>[Chapter 17, Programmed Cell Death]{ref}
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