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Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a normal cellular function that allows for the self-destruction of cells that are old, irreparably diseased or mutated so as to enhance the proper development and maintenance of an organism. Apoptosis is a form of housekeeping, of preventing cancer or other illnesses resulting from the malfunction of cells. It is also the way by which, for example, the solid hand of a fetus developing in the womb begins to separate into five distinct fingers. Note that apoptosis is an inherent part of cell life, a natural death as opposed to the untimely death of a cell triggered by acute tissue injury (known as necrosis). A necrotic cell dies by expanding and erupting its contents into the organism, apoptotic cells shrivel and sometimes break into pieces, thereby allowing them to be easily and harmlessly managed.

Apoptosis can also be a cell’s response to stress or to some form of damage in its DNA. For instance, starvation or prolonged exposure to radiation in the form of an x-ray could induce the process. Homeostasis, the checks and balance function of cells, is another initiator of apoptosis.

Web Resources On Apoptosis

What is apoptosis?
Wikipedia: Apoptosis

Book Resources On Apoptosis

Essentials of Apoptosis: A Guide for Basic and Clinical Research by Xiao-Ming Yin (Editor), Zheng Dong (Editor)
When Cells Die: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Apoptosis and Programmed Cell Death by R. A. Lockshin (Editor), et al

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