Final answer:
The first step in pre-apoptotic cells is to detect abnormalities triggering apoptosis. Apoptosis genes are transcribed, leading to the release of cytochrome C from mitochondria, initiating the cell death process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step happening in a pre-apoptotic cell typically involves the detection of abnormalities within the cell that signal a need for programmed cell death, or apoptosis. If the cell is damaged, unnecessary, or poses a risk to the organism, internal checkpoints trigger the apoptosis process. One of the key events early in apoptosis is the binding of external signals, which might indicate that it's time for a cell to die, especially during development or during disease processes where cells might be damaged. In response to these signals, there is transcription of apoptosis gene expression, particularly the Bcl2 genes, followed by the production of proteins like Bak and Bax. These proteins are part of the outer mitochondrial membrane and form channels that release cytochrome C into the cytoplasm, initiating the cascade of apoptosis. If, during this process the damage can't be repaired, or in the presence of conditions like cancer or viral infections where normal checkpoints fail, programmed cell death proceeds to systematically dismantle the cell, preventing further harm to the organism.