Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms and some eukaryotic microorganisms. Apoptosis is a series of biochemical events that lead to chromatin condensation and fragmentation, ultimately resulting in cell death (cell suicide). Apoptosis occurs when DNA damage is irreparable, the cell is infected with a virus, or the cell is under severe stress.
Apoptosis occurs when:
- Cell pollution by pathogenic agents such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi
- When A cell has become badly stressed or irreparably damaged.
- Performing mutations in genetic material and the inability to repair and correct the mutation performed, the cell is senescent.
- Accumulation of damaged and dysfunctional proteins in the rough endoplasmic reticulum is another factor in the apoptosis of body cells.
- Shortening the length of the telomere region of genetic material can cause cell apoptosis.
- Completion of growth and development: Some cells must be removed during growth and development, which can be observed in removing tissue between the fingers during embryonic development.
- A cell’s existence is no longer helpful to the organism.
- Cells have been around in the body long enough that they’re worn out, so they need to make way for nice, new young cells.
- Brain cells undergo apoptosis before and following birth to eliminate excess brain cells and streamline nerve impulses.
- Triggered by mild cellular injury and by various factors internal or external to the cell
Two pathways have been identified for inducing apoptosis: the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. Extrinsic factors and factors from outside the cell trigger apoptosis through the extrinsic pathway, while intracellular factors trigger apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway. It is highly regulated and controlled by proteins, such as caspases and BCL2.
**The lack of apoptosis in cells can lead to cell cancer and the creation of cancer in the individual.
