What is apoptosis?

Apoptosis refers to the process of programmed cell death, which is a natural mechanism that allows organisms to eliminate unwanted or damaged cells in a controlled manner. This process plays a critical role in various biological functions, including development, tissue homeostasis, and the elimination of cells that may pose a threat to the organism, such as damaged or potentially cancerous cells.

During apoptosis, a series of biochemical events lead to characteristic changes in the cell, including cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, and DNA fragmentation. This orderly process prevents inflammation and damage to surrounding tissues, contrasting with necrosis, which is an uncontrolled form of cell death that can cause significant tissue damage and inflammatory responses.

Understanding apoptosis is crucial in fields such as developmental biology and cancer research, as it helps to elucidate how normal cellular functions can go awry and lead to disease.