Final answer:
The structural change not typically seen in apoptosis is the swelling of the cell. Apoptosis involves cellular shrinking and formation of apoptotic bodies, in contrast to necrotic cell death which features swelling due to plasma membrane failure and uncontrolled ion flow.
Step-by-step explanation:
The structural change not typically seen in a cell that is undergoing apoptosis is D) the cell swells
During apoptosis, various structural changes occur within the cell. These changes include the collapse of the cytoskeleton, disassembly of the nuclear envelope, and the development of irregular bulges known as blebbing. However, contrary to apoptosis, in necrosis, which is a form of cell death due to injury, cells often swell. This swelling is a result of the disruption of the plasma membrane, allowing water and extracellular ions to flow into the cell. In apoptosis, cells tend to shrink, leading to the formation of apoptotic bodies, rather than swell.
Apoptosis also involves other changes like the shrinkage of the nucleus, formation of vacuoles in the cytoplasm, fusion of the cytoplasmic membranes, and sometimes complete cell lysis. It is a controlled and energy-dependent process that allows cells to die without causing an inflammatory response. This is in contrast to unregulated necrotic cell death, which is often associated with inflammation due to the sudden rupture of cell membranes and uncontrolled release of cellular contents.