AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death. It is used during early development to eliminate unwanted cells; for example, those between the fingers of a developing hand. In adults, apoptosis is used to rid the body of cells that have been damaged beyond repair. Apoptosis also plays a role in preventing cancer.

Detailed explanation-2: -Apoptosis occurs normally during development and aging and as a homeostatic mechanism to maintain cell populations in tissues. Apoptosis also occurs as a defense mechanism such as in immune reactions or when cells are damaged by disease or noxious agents (Norbury and Hickson, 2001).

Detailed explanation-3: -If cells are no longer needed, they commit suicide by activating an intracellular death program. This process is therefore called programmed cell death, although it is more commonly called apoptosis (from a Greek word meaning “falling off, ” as leaves from a tree).

Detailed explanation-4: -Programmed cell death plays an important role in the processes of gamete maturation as well as in embryo development, contributing to the appropriate formation of various organs and structures. Apoptosis is one of the mechanisms of action of various cytotoxic agents and teratogens.

Detailed explanation-5: -A direct link between apoptosis and the cell cycle may be supposed from noting that mitosis and apoptosis display very similar morphological features. During both processes, cells lose substrate attachment, become rounded, shrink, condense their chromatin and display membrane blebbing.