Final answer:
The balance of pro- and anti-apoptotic Bcl2 family proteins, such as Bak and Bax, control a cell's decision to undergo apoptosis. The p53 also participates in this process and ensures the elimination of cells with DNA damage or aberrant growth. Disruption of this balance can cause cells to become resistant to apoptosis, potentially contributing to cancer. true
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the balance of pro- and anti-apoptotic Bcl2 family members influences a cell's responses to stress is true. The Bcl2 family proteins, including Bak and Bax, play pivotal roles in apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death. The balance between these proteins directly affects the cell's decision to induce apoptosis, particularly during stressful conditions. For instance, when a cell is exposed to deleterious conditions or when DNA damage is beyond repair, these proteins are signalled to release cytochrome C into the cytoplasm, triggering a cascade of molecular events leading to apoptosis. p53 also plays a critical role in this process, triggering apoptosis if certain cell cycle events fail or if the cell is under severe stress, thus protecting the organism from potential cancerous growths. Cells that cannot properly regulate this balance may become resistant to apoptosis, which may lead to cancer.
Learn more about Apoptosis