16- T Cell Function

Question 1

Define apoptosis

Answer 1

Known as programmed cell death, involves the controlled dismantling of intracellular components while avoiding inflammation and damage to surrounding cells

Question 2

Describe how apoptosis is induced and what happens in a cell that is induced to undergo apoptosis

Answer 2

It is done via initiatior capases that activate executioner capases that subsequently coordinate their activities to demolish key structural proteins and activate other enzymes

Question 3

Discuss the role of capases in apoptosis and inflammation

Answer 3

Capases are endopeptidases that are important in maintaining homeostasis through regulating apoptosis and inflammation

Question 4

What is the difference between initiator capases and effector capases

Answer 4

Initiator: activated by multimolecular death complexes
Effector: break down cellular structures (apoptosis)

Question 5

Explain the difference between apoptosis and necrosis

Answer 5

Apoptosis: DNA fragmentation and membrane blebbing, avoiding inflammation and damage to the surrounding cells

Necrosis: characterized by membrane degradation, release of cytoplasmic contents, inflammation, and involvement of a larger area

Question 6

Describe the Perforin Pathway that CTLs use to kill target cells. Include molecules involved and their functions