What is the term used to describe when a cell self destructs? (Spelling counts.)
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: Apoptosis
Explanation:
Apoptosis is the term used to describe the process of programmed cell death. It is a highly regulated and controlled sequence of events that leads to the elimination of cells without releasing harmful substances into the surrounding area. This process is crucial for maintaining health by removing old, damaged, or unnecessary cells in multicellular organisms.
During apoptosis, a cell undergoes several distinct changes. These include shrinkage, chromatin condensation, membrane blebbing, and the fragmentation of the cell into small, membrane-bound pieces called apoptotic bodies. These fragments are then quickly engulfed and digested by neighboring cells or immune cells such as macrophages. This clean removal prevents inflammation and damage to surrounding tissues.
Apoptosis plays a vital role in various physiological processes. For example, it is essential in embryonic development, such as the removal of webbing between fingers and toes. It also helps maintain tissue homeostasis by balancing cell proliferation and cell death. In the immune system, apoptosis eliminates potentially harmful cells like those that could attack the body’s own tissues.
The process is initiated either through internal signals (intrinsic pathway) involving mitochondria or through external signals (extrinsic pathway) triggered by other cells. Key molecules involved include caspases, which are a family of proteases that dismantle the cell.
Disruptions in apoptosis can lead to serious health conditions. Excessive apoptosis may contribute to degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. On the other hand, insufficient apoptosis can result in uncontrolled cell growth, leading to cancer.
Understanding apoptosis is important in medical research and therapy development, especially in designing drugs that can either promote or inhibit this process depending on the disease being treated.