1.1.7 - Apoptosis

Apoptosis

Naturally programmed cell death that allows for the orderly removal of damaged or unneeded cells without affecting neighboring cells.

Intrinsic Pathway

A biochemical pathway triggering apoptosis that occurs completely within a cell, often involving the release of Cytochrome C from mitochondria.

Extrinsic Pathway

Apoptosis initiated by an external signal, such as a death receptor binding to a ligand from immune cells.

Caspases

A family of enzymes that are activated during apoptosis to dismantle the cell by breaking down its cytoskeleton and initiating cell death.

Blebbing

The formation of small bulges on the surface of a dying cell during apoptosis, resulting in the creation of apoptotic bodies.

Necrosis

Unplanned cell death due to injury that leads to cell bursting and inflammation.

Pluripotency

The ability of a stem cell to differentiate into almost any cell type in the body.

Totipotency

The ability of a stem cell to differentiate into any cell type, including embryonic and placental cells.

Apoptotic Bodies

Small cellular fragments resulting from the breakdown of a cell undergoing apoptosis, which are later engulfed by immune cells.

Cell Cycle Regulation

The mechanisms that control the progression of the cell cycle and prevent uncontrolled cell division, which can lead to cancer.

Cancer Cells

Cells that exhibit uncontrolled growth, division, and often exhibit characteristics such as evasion of apoptosis.