Final answer:
Apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, is the process by which cells self-destruct in an organized, harm-free manner. This biological event is crucial for normal embryonic development, cell turnover, and preventing potentially dangerous cells from causing tumors or autoimmune diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cells are sometimes programmed to self-destruct in a process known as apoptosis:
Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death critical for the development and maintenance of healthy tissues. This process is necessary for many normal physiological processes, such as embryonic development and cellular turnover in adult organisms. During apoptosis, a cell is neatly and efficiently dismantled and digested without causing harm to neighboring cells or triggering an inflammatory response.
Molecular events that lead to apoptosis include the release of cytochrome C from the mitochondria, which results from the induction of Bcl2 proteins like Bak and Bax, creating outer mitochondrial membrane channels. These pathways are essential for ensuring that cells that are no longer necessary or are damaged are removed to maintain tissue homeostasis.