Table of contents

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

19. Cancer Genetics

Overview of Cancer

Genetics

19. Cancer Genetics

Overview of Cancer

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0:47 minutes

Problem 8

Textbook Question

What is apoptosis, and under what circumstances do cells undergo this process?

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Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death, which is a highly regulated and controlled process that allows cells to die in a way that does not harm surrounding tissues.

Cells undergo apoptosis in response to various signals, such as DNA damage, oxidative stress, or the activation of specific signaling pathways that indicate the cell is no longer needed or is functioning abnormally.

During apoptosis, the cell undergoes characteristic changes, including cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, and the formation of apoptotic bodies.

Apoptotic bodies are then engulfed and digested by neighboring cells or immune cells, preventing inflammation and damage to surrounding tissues.

Apoptosis is essential for processes such as embryonic development, immune system regulation, and the removal of damaged or potentially cancerous cells.

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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. It involves a series of biochemical events leading to characteristic cell changes and death, such as cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and DNA fragmentation. This process is crucial for eliminating damaged or unnecessary cells without causing inflammation.

Cellular Stress and Damage

Cells undergo apoptosis in response to various forms of stress or damage, such as DNA damage, oxidative stress, or severe nutrient deprivation. These conditions can trigger signaling pathways that activate apoptotic mechanisms, ensuring that cells with irreparable damage do not survive and potentially lead to tumorigenesis or other diseases.

Developmental Processes

Apoptosis plays a vital role in normal development and tissue homeostasis. During embryogenesis, it helps shape organs and remove excess cells, ensuring proper formation. Additionally, in adult organisms, apoptosis regulates cell turnover in tissues, maintaining balance between cell proliferation and death, which is essential for overall health.

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