Final answer:
In the extrinsic pathway to apoptosis, a 'death-inducing signaling complex' recruits a procaspase-8 or -10, which are then activated into caspases that lead to cellular auto-digestion.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the extrinsic pathway to apoptosis, each death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) recruits an initiator procaspase-8 or -10. This pathway is often triggered by trauma to tissues. When activated, the DISC facilitates the activation of procaspases into caspases, which are proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes play a crucial role in apoptosis, leading to the auto-digestion of the cell. This is a controlled process ensuring that cells are eliminated in a manner that does not cause harm to surrounding cells or trigger inflammation.
The release of cytochrome C, a peripheral membrane protein, from mitochondria facilitates the activation of caspases in the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Cytochrome C operates in equilibrium between a membrane-bound state and a soluble state in the intermembrane space of mitochondria. Once in the cytosol, it binds to adaptor proteins forming a complex that then activates procaspases to caspases.