Apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, is a regulated process that terminates cell life. During apoptosis, a series of events occur that lead to the controlled destruction of the cell. This process is essential for normal development and maintenance of tissues in multicellular organisms.
Apoptosis can be triggered by various internal and external signals, including DNA damage, growth factor withdrawal, or activation of specific cell death receptors. These signals activate a cascade of intracellular events that ultimately result in the activation of specific enzymes called caspases. Caspases are responsible for breaking down the cellular components and initiating the death process.
The process of apoptosis involves several characteristic changes in the cell, including cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, and fragmentation of DNA. The cell then undergoes phagocytosis, where neighboring cells or immune cells engulf the apoptotic cell and remove it from the tissue.
Apoptosis plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, such as embryogenesis, tissue remodeling, immune response regulation, and the elimination of damaged or potentially harmful cells. Dysregulation of apoptosis can lead to various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.
In contrast to apoptosis, necrosis is an uncontrolled and accidental form of cell death that occurs due to factors such as trauma, infection, or lack of oxygen. Necrosis is often associated with inflammation and can be harmful to surrounding tissues.
Cell death regulated process that terminates cell life
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