Chapter 18: Cell Death

Cell Death

Natural process that plays a crucial role in development, tissue homeostasis, and immune responses

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death characterized by cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, and formation of apoptotic bodies

Necrosis

Type of cell death resulting from acute cellular injury or trauma, involving cell swelling, organelle damage, membrane rupture, and release of cellular contents

Extrinsic Pathway

Apoptosis pathway initiated by the binding of extracellular death ligands to death receptors on the cell surface

Intrinsic Pathway

Apoptosis pathway regulated by the balance of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 protein family

Caspases

Family of proteases that play a central role in apoptosis execution

Morphological Changes

Distinct changes in apoptotic cells, including cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, and fragmentation into apoptotic bodies

Anti-Apoptotic Mechanisms

Cellular mechanisms that inhibit apoptosis and promote cell survival, such as the action of anti-apoptotic proteins like Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL

Dysregulation of Apoptosis

Implicated in various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune diseases, and developmental abnormalities

Therapeutic Applications

Strategies targeting apoptosis for cancer treatment or promoting cell survival in conditions like neurodegeneration