Final answer:
Apoptosis is a process by which cells eliminate damages or obsolete cell components. It is a form of programmed cell death that prevents the release of potentially damaging molecules from inside the cell. Apoptosis can be triggered by internal checkpoints or external signaling.
Step-by-step explanation:
Apoptosis is a process by which cells eliminate damages or obsolete cell components. It is a form of programmed cell death that allows cells to die in a controlled manner, preventing the release of potentially damaging molecules from inside the cell. Apoptosis can be triggered by internal checkpoints that monitor a cell's health or by external signaling. For example, if a cell moves away from the extracellular matrix, it undergoes apoptosis. Additionally, when cells are starved or damaged, apoptosis can be initiated to remove the cells.
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