Final answer:
Apoptosis is a mechanism that allows cells to die in a controlled manner to prevent the release of damaging molecules. It can be triggered by abnormalities in cell health or external signaling. Apoptosis is important for various biological processes, including embryological development and preventing tumor cell proliferation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, is a mechanism that allows cells to die in a controlled manner. It prevents the release of potentially damaging molecules from inside the cell.
Abnormalities in a cell's health can trigger apoptosis, either through internal checkpoints or external signaling. For example, if a cell moves away from the extracellular matrix or binds to self proteins during T-cell development, apoptosis may be initiated.
Apoptosis is crucial in various biological processes, including normal embryological development and preventing the proliferation of tumor cells.