Apoptosis

Question 1

Define Apoptosis

Answer 1

Programmed cell death

Question 2

How many cells are destined to die from apoptosis

Answer 2

99%

Question 3

What are the enzymes called that digest the cell when it is undergoing apoptosis

Answer 3

Caspases

Question 4

What do dying cells in apoptosis prodce>

Answer 4

Signals that macrophages will recognise and will then engulf the cells remain

Question 5

Explain the process of apoptosis when the signals are from inside the cell

Answer 5

1. Serious damage inside the cell
2. Activates the proteins on the outside of the mitochondria’s membrane
3. Mitochondrial membrane ruptures
4. Activates caspases enter nuclear pores and chop up DNA
5. Produce signals for macrophages

Question 6

Why may be some reasons that a cell will be instructed to undergo apoptosis from an external signal?

Answer 6

1. If cell has not developed fully
2. If there are more cells than required
3. If cells have outlived there usefullness

Question 7

What is the process of apoptosis when the signal is recieved externally

Answer 7

1. Caspases are activated, dying cells release signals to activate phagocytes
2. Cells begin to shrink and develop small bumps on surface
3. Caspases enter nuclear pores and chop up DNA and proteins
4. Small fragments bind to phagocytes and are engulfed
5. Phagocytes release cytokines to prevent inflammation.

Question 8

Apoptosis Summary

Answer 8

1. Cell recieves signal to die either externally or internally
2. Receptors receive information causing caspases to be produced (they start to destroy the proteins and DNA within the cell)
3. Messages sent to the surrounding phagocytes
4. Cell shrinks and develops small bumps
5. Cell breaks open and loses its contents
6. Phagocytes engulf cell fragments