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Leakage of cytochrome c to the cytoplasm may trigger apoptosis through the _____ pathway.

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Final answer:

Apoptosis is initiated through the intrinsic pathway when cytochrome c leaks into the cytoplasm and binds to adaptor proteins, forming a complex that activates caspases for the cell's auto-digestion.

Step-by-step explanation:

Leakage of cytochrome c to the cytoplasm may trigger apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway. Cytochrome c is a peripheral membrane protein in the mitochondria, loosely attached to the cristae membrane. When it is released into the cytoplasm, it associates with adaptor proteins to form a complex, which then promotes the activation of procaspases to caspases, initiating the caspase cascade responsible for the cell's auto-digestion in apoptosis.

Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death that occurs in both normal cellular development and in response to cellular damage. The intrinsic pathway for initiating apoptosis is a central mechanism through which cells can safely and orderly dismantle themselves without harming surrounding tissues or triggering an inflammatory response. This pathway involves the release of apoptosis-inducing factors like cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm, leading to the activation of caspases.

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