Term Name:	programmed DNA elimination
Synonyms:
Definition:	A process in which genomic fragments or entire chromosomes are eliminated from somatic cells or from micronuclei of ciliates. This process occurs in the developing macronucleus (anlage) of a ciliate, as well as in other species, including vertebrates and is an irreversible mechanism of gene silencing.
Ontology:	GO: Biological Process [GO:0031049]    QuickGO    AmiGO