1.2 Apoptosis: Cell Suicide

1) What are the two common causes of cell death?

• mechanical forces or toxic chemicals
• eliminate cells harmful to the organism

2) Describe the changes that occur during apoptosis.

• shrinking
• disintegration of mitochondria and nucleus
• breakdown of the cell into several membrane-bound fragments
• intake of cell fragments by other cells

3) Describe the three triggers of apoptosis.

• The formation of protein clusters called apoptosomes within the cell.
• The attaching of cell death activator molecules to the outer surface of the cell membrane.
• The formation of reactive oxygen molecules such as hydrogen peroxide in the cell.

4) Why do researchers assume that apoptosis is responsible for the decrease in the number of T-helper cells in AIDS?

When the T-helper cells are infected with HIV, they die by apoptosis.

5) Most cancer drugs used today attempt to slow down the rate of cell division (mitosis). Using the internet and other resources, discover how research on apoptosis might be used to produce new cancer drugs.

Cells commit apoptosis by disintegrating its organelles. This could help scientist because it they can find a way to target specific cells that are considered cancerous and duplicate their apoptosis process to rid the body of an excess amount of mutated cells.