U1 - Control Of Programmed Cell Death Flashcards
What triggers apoptosis?
Apoptosis is triggered by cell death signals that can be external or internal.
What is an external death signal?
Production of death signal molecules from LYMPHOCYTES.
What is an internal death signal?
DNA damage is an example of an internal death signal.
How do external death signals work?
External death signal molecules bind to a surface receptor protein and trigger a protein cascade within the cytoplasm.
How do internal death signals work?
An internal death signals result from DNA damage which causes the activation of p53 tumour-suppressor protein.
What is the result of both death signals?
Internal and external both trigger the activation of caspases.
What are caspases?
A type of protease enzyme that cause the destruction of the cell.
Why is apoptosis essential?
It is essential during development of an organism to remove cells no longer required as development progresses or during metamorphosis.
Cells may initiate apoptosis in the absence of ______ _____
Growth factors.
