Question

Apoptosis can occur in a cell when the cell is ________________.

a) Infected with a virus
b) Undergoing normal development
c) Experiencing DNA damage
d) All of the above

Answer 1

Apoptosis can be triggered in a cell when it is infected with a virus, during normal development, or when there is DNA damage. It serves as a mechanism to protect the organism's health by removing cells that are no longer needed or potentially harmful.

Step-by-step explanation:

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a vital process in an organism's lifecycle. It can occur under various conditions, such as when a cell is infected with a virus, undergoing normal development, or experiencing DNA damage. In each of these scenarios, apoptosis serves as a protective mechanism to remove cells that are damaged, no longer needed, or pose a potential threat to the organism's health. For instance, during viral infection, apoptosis can help to limit the spread of the virus by killing infected cells. In development, it shapes structures by removing unneeded cells. Cells with DNA damage are also prompted to undergo apoptosis to prevent the propagation of potentially cancerous mutations.