Chapter 16, Problem 2MTF

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Apoptosis is the programmed cell death mechanism used to eliminate aged, mutated, unwanted, or uncontrolled cells in the multicellular organisms. Caspase (cysteine protease) proteins play a crucial role in mediating the apoptotic mechanism. The morphological features of apoptosis undergoing cells are membrane blebbing, shrinkage of cells, chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, and formation of apoptotic bodies. Macrophages engulf these apoptotic bodies and thereby this mechanism prevents necrosis (accidental cell death) and inflammation.