Question

Why apoptosis is important in regulation of normal cellular growth?

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Answer 1

Programmed Cell Death (PCD) is the underlying mechanism where in cells undergo a series of tightly regulated developmental events culminating in the death of a cell. The process although appears detrimental for the cell, however it carries much significance as far as the regulation of normal cell growth is concerned. One of the important forms of PCD is apoptosis (derived from Greek word 'Apoptos' meaning 'Falling off'). This form of PCD has been convincingly observed in animal cells and is charcaterized by three important morphological features:

1. Nuclear Fragmentation via Nuclear blebbing of chromosomal DNA fragmentation

2. Formation of apoptotic bodies

3. Degradation of the apoptotic bodies in the lysosome of another cell via. engulfment.

Moreover the role of specific proteases called Caspases have been demonstrated in the process.

As far as the role of apoptosis in the regulation of normal cell growth is concerned, It is known to control the process of cell division by regulating the progression of cell from Interphase to M-phase (Division phase). It has been observed that extensive apoptosis leads to the partial or complete wasting away of body parts (Atrophy) while as the insufficient apoptosis leads to unregulated and uncontrolled cell proliferation (Cancer). As far the cell cycle is concerned, there are different check points in Interphase (G1/S and G2 M). At the checkpoint G2M, it is checked whether the DNA replication has occured properly and is error-free. If it is felt that there is no problem, then the cell cycle is allowed to progress toward M-phase, however if there is any problem at this stage, the cell cycle is stopped there and the damaged or abnormal cell is induced to undergo apoptosis. Moreover apoptosis also regulates the frequency of cell cycle to prevent the abnormally high rate of cell division (which may lead to cancer). Apoptosis therefore removes/eliminates pre-cancerous and virus-infected cells, although “successful” cancer cells manage to escape apoptosis so they can continue dividing.

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