Biology / Unit 4 Bio 0815 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Apoptosis: Programmed Cell Death
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The idea
Apoptosis is a controlled, signal-triggered process of cell death that dismantles a cell without releasing damaging molecules into surrounding tissue.
In practice
Cells between a developing embryo's fingers undergo apoptosis on schedule, letting the digits separate before birth.
Where people slip
Apoptosis is a controlled, internally triggered process — it is not the same as necrosis, uncontrolled cell death from injury.
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