Apoptotic bodies are vesicles that form on the surface of apoptotic cells. These bodies must be removed in a harmless process. During apoptosis and the formation of apoptotic bodies, phosphatidylserine is transferred from the inner layer to the outer layer of the membrane. Macrophages have receptors on their surface that can identify phosphatidylserine. Macrophages recognize and remove apoptotic pieces with the process of phagocytosis.
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