Table of Contents
What is apoptosis in simple terms?
(A-pop-TOH-sis) A type of cell death in which a series of molecular steps in a cell lead to its death. This is one method the body uses to get rid of unneeded or abnormal cells. The process of apoptosis may be blocked in cancer cells. Also called programmed cell death.
What is apoptosis and what is its purpose?
Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death. It is used during early development to eliminate unwanted cells; for example, those between the fingers of a developing hand. In adults, apoptosis is used to rid the body of cells that have been damaged beyond repair.
What happens during a apoptosis?
During apoptosis, the cell shrinks and pulls away from its neighbors. Then the surface of the cell appears to boil, with fragments breaking away and escaping like bubbles from a pot of hot water. The DNA in the cell’s nucleus condenses and breaks into evenly sized fragments.
Does apoptosis cause inflammation?
Apoptosis does not trigger inflammation, whereas another form of cell death called necrosis—in which the cell membrane is ruptured—is often associated with inflammation (Kerr et al., 1972).
What is another word for apoptosis?
What is another word for apoptosis?
| cell-death | autophagy |
|---|---|
| mitotic catastrophe | necroptosis |
| necrosis |
Why is apoptosis a good thing?
Apoptosis removes cells during development. It also eliminates pre-cancerous and virus-infected cells, although “successful” cancer cells manage to escape apoptosis so they can continue dividing. Apoptosis maintains the balance of cells in the human body and is particularly important in the immune system.
Is apoptosis good or bad?
Apoptosis is a normal and necessary part of development. As the human body develops, it becomes necessary to get rid of or kill certain cells. Cells with DNA damage or viral infections are two such examples. In this case, apoptosis benefits the organism by eliminating potentially virus-infected and cancerous cells.