Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Cell Cycle Regulation

Anatomy & Physiology

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Cell Cycle Regulation

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Problem 5

Textbook Question

Which of the following occurs during apoptosis? (A) lysis of the cell (B) direct contact between signaling cells (C) fragmentation of the DNA (D) release of proteases outside the cell

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death, which is a controlled process that allows cells to die without causing harm to the surrounding tissue.

Recall that during apoptosis, the cell undergoes a series of characteristic changes, including cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and membrane blebbing.

Consider the options provided: (A) lysis of the cell, (B) direct contact between signaling cells, (C) fragmentation of the DNA, and (D) release of proteases outside the cell.

Recognize that one of the key features of apoptosis is the fragmentation of DNA, which is a result of the activation of specific enzymes called caspases that cleave the DNA at internucleosomal regions.

Eliminate the other options by understanding that lysis of the cell (A) is more characteristic of necrosis, direct contact between signaling cells (B) is not a direct feature of apoptosis, and release of proteases outside the cell (D) is not a typical event in apoptosis.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a programmed cell death process that is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and development. Unlike necrosis, which results in cell lysis and inflammation, apoptosis is a controlled mechanism that leads to the orderly dismantling of cellular components without causing harm to surrounding tissues.

DNA Fragmentation

During apoptosis, one of the hallmark features is the fragmentation of DNA. This process is mediated by specific enzymes called caspases, which activate endonucleases that cleave the DNA into smaller pieces, ultimately leading to the cell's demise and preventing the release of potentially harmful substances into the extracellular environment.

Signaling Pathways

Apoptosis is often triggered by signaling pathways that involve direct contact between cells or the release of signaling molecules. These pathways can be intrinsic, involving internal cellular stress, or extrinsic, where external signals bind to death receptors on the cell surface, initiating the apoptotic process.