Definitions for "Apoptosome"
The apoptosome is composed of Cytochrome C, Procaspase 9 and APAF-1 with an unknown stoichiomentry. Formation of the apoptosome is driven by the release of Cytochrome C from the mitochondrion. Clustering of Procaspase 9 leads to caspase 9 activity.
The apoptosome is a large multi-protein structure formed in the process of apoptosis. Its formation is triggered by the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria in response to an internal (intrinsic) or external (extrinsic) cell death stimulus. Stimuli can vary from DNA damage and viral infection to developmental cues such as the loss of tadpole's tail.