Final answer:
NK cells release granules containing perforin and granzyme to trigger apoptosis in infected or tumor cells
Step-by-step explanation:
Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of immune cell that constantly patrol the body, looking for infected or tumor cells. When an NK cell detects an infected or tumor cell, it releases granules containing perforin and granzyme. Perforin creates pores in the target cell's membrane, allowing granzyme to enter and trigger apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Phagocytic cells then come along to digest the cell debris left behind. NK cells play an important role in controlling potential infections and preventing cancer progression.