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Notes
Apoptosis - Overview
APOPTOSIS
- Programmed cell death
- Specific biochemical signature (ex. phosphatidylserine "flips" to outer surface of plasma membrane)
- Does not induce inflammation
Important in a Variety of Processes
- Organism development
- Cell number and organ size
- Quality control during development
- Removal of damaged cells
Cellular Changes
- Cytoplasm condenses
- Nucleus becomes misshapen
- Chromatin condenses along the nuclear envelope
- Cell eventually fragments into blebs
- Phosphatidylserine on the blebs indicates to phagocytic cells that apoptosis is occurring
- Phagocytic cells clear the cellular debris