What are some examples of apoptosis: programmed cell death?

Question

Vivian Aronson · Accepted Answer

Apoptosis is applicable to the majority of our cells, with the exception of cancer cells. Since red blood cells have a 120-day half-life, they must be eliminated when that time comes. Worn red blood cells undergo apoptosis in the spleen and are destroyed, and this phenomenon also affects other body cells such as platelets and old white blood cells.

Sebastian Alvarado · Answer

undefined Examples of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, include:

1. Embryonic development: Apoptosis helps shape developing tissues and organs by eliminating unnecessary or abnormal cells.
2. Immune system regulation: Apoptosis plays a role in the regulation of the immune response by removing infected or damaged cells.
3. Tissue homeostasis: Apoptosis maintains tissue balance by eliminating old or damaged cells, such as in the turnover of intestinal epithelial cells.
4. Cancer treatment: Inducing apoptosis in cancer cells is a key strategy in cancer therapy to eliminate malignant cells.
5. Neurological development: Apoptosis helps sculpt the nervous system by removing excess neurons and connections during brain development.