Celledød

Celledød, also known as apoptosis, is a fundamental biological process that involves the programmed death of cells. It is a highly regulated and essential mechanism for multicellular organisms, playing a crucial role in development, tissue homeostasis, and the removal of damaged or infected cells. Unlike necrosis, which is typically a result of injury or disease and leads to uncontrolled cell bursting, apoptosis is a clean and orderly process.

During apoptosis, a cell undergoes a series of characteristic changes. The cell shrinks, its chromatin condenses, and the cell membrane undergoes blebbing, forming small, membrane-bound vesicles containing cellular components. These apoptotic bodies are then efficiently cleared by phagocytic cells, preventing inflammation and damage to surrounding tissues. The process is orchestrated by a complex cascade of molecular events, primarily involving enzymes called caspases.

Apoptosis is vital for a variety of physiological functions. In embryonic development, it sculpts tissues and organs by eliminating unwanted cells, such as webbing between fingers and toes. In adults, it maintains tissue balance by removing old or worn-out cells and replacing them with new ones. It also serves as a defense mechanism, eliminating cells that are infected by viruses or have accumulated potentially cancerous mutations, thereby preventing the spread of disease or uncontrolled cell proliferation. Dysregulation of apoptosis can contribute to a range of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions.