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Apoptosis Molecular Mechanism
AP Biology · Unit 4 Cell Communication
Learning Objectives
Understand the difference between normal cell death (Apoptosis) and necrosis
Role of Cytochrome c leakage from the mitochondria (Intrinsic Pathway)
Activation of the Caspase cascade (executioner proteins)
Chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, and membrane blebbing
Tags
ApoptosisCell DeathCaspaseCytochrome cBlebbing
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Healthy Cell
The cell is functioning normally. DNA is intact, mitochondria are producing ATP, and the membrane is smooth. Pro-apoptotic proteins (like Bax/Bak) are currently inhibited by Bcl-2.
Why Apoptosis?
Apoptosis packages cellular contents into small vesicles (blebs) for macrophages to easily digest, preventing the destructive inflammation caused by cell bursting (necrosis). Crucial for preventing cancer.