Apoptosis occurs when
A) a cell lyses due to an imbalance in water uptake.
B) white blood cells attack damaged cells and destroy them.
C) the controls over cell division are lost and a tumor forms as the mass of cells grow.
D) a cell with damaged DNA stops working and dies.
E) a damaged cell is programmed to fragment and then is phagocytized.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Apoptosis is a programmed cell death that occurs when a cell is damaged or is no longer needed. The damaged cell is signaled to self-destruct, and the cellular machinery breaks down the cell into fragments that are then engulfed and removed by neighboring cells. This process is essential for maintaining proper tissue function and preventing the development of tumors. Option A is incorrect because lysis occurs when a cell bursts due to osmotic imbalances or physical damage, not during apoptosis. Option B is incorrect because white blood cells destroy foreign invaders, not damaged cells in our body. Option C is incorrect because tumor formation occurs when cell division continues uncontrollably, not when cells undergo apoptosis. Option D is partially correct because DNA damage can trigger apoptosis, but not all damaged cells undergo apoptosis.

Apoptosis Occurs When