Apoptosis (Programmed Cell Death)

Andrey K2 minutes read

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a crucial process in organisms, leading to cell suicide through various triggers, aiding in development, and eliminating harmful cells like cancer cells. This process can occur through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, involving specific proteins and molecules to carry out cell death.

Insights

  • Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a natural process crucial for removing damaged or harmful cells like cancer cells, preventing autoimmunity, and shaping embryological structures.
  • Apoptosis can be triggered through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, involving key proteins like cytochrome C, Bcl-2, and caspase-9, ultimately leading to the controlled death of the cell.

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Recent questions

  • What is apoptosis?

    Apoptosis is programmed cell death in organisms.

  • What are the main mechanisms of apoptosis?

    Intrinsic, extrinsic pathways, and apoptosis-inducing factor.

  • Why does apoptosis occur in organisms?

    To eliminate damaged or harmful cells.

  • What role does apoptosis play in embryological development?

    Aids in the formation of structures like fingers and toes.

  • How does apoptosis prevent autoimmunity?

    Maturation of T lymphocytes in the thymus.

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Summary

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Understanding Apoptosis: Cell Suicide in Organisms

  • Apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, is a natural process that occurs in cells of various organisms, including our own body.
  • Apoptosis is essentially cell suicide, where a series of reactions are triggered within a cell leading to its death.
  • It is a normal process during embryological development, aiding in the formation of structures like fingers and toes, and in the maturation of T lymphocytes in the thymus to prevent autoimmunity.
  • Another reason for apoptosis is to eliminate damaged or harmful cells like cancer cells, infected cells, or those at risk of harming healthy cells.
  • Apoptosis can occur through three main mechanisms: intrinsic pathway, extrinsic pathway, and the use of a molecule called apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF).
  • In the intrinsic pathway, cell death is initiated within the cell, involving proteins like cytochrome C, Bcl-2, and caspase-9, leading to the breakdown of organelles and DNA within the cell.
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