Cell death is the process by which living cells stop functioning. This process can occur in many different ways for a variety of reasons. Cells can die during development as a consequence of cellular stress and metabolic disturbance, pathogenic invasion, or because of physiological tissue damage.
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Decades of research have provided a thorough understanding of the different methods by which cells can self-destruct. Traditionally, cell death is classified into three kinds based on morphological changes, causes, and biochemical pathways.
Apoptosis, also known as Type I cell death, is a highly regulated form of programmed cell death (PCD) in which cells self-destruct without any external impact. It is a vital component of life, especially for multicellular organisms that must regulate cell growth, development, and turnover to maintain homeostasis.
Apoptosis is crucial for healthy embryonic development. A well-known example of this process occurs when cells between the digits of a developing hand undergo apoptosis, allowing the fingers to separate.
Autophagy, or Type II cell death, is typically considered a type of programmed cell death. However, it has become clear over time that it can promote both cell survival and cell death, depending on the situation.
Autophagy is the process by which lysosomes consume cellular organelles and other substances to remove unnecessary or malfunctioning components.
This important mechanism enables the systematic breakdown and recycling of cellular components. While autophagy is an essential cellular mechanism, this article will focus on other forms of cell death, such as apoptosis and controlled necrotic pathways.
Necrosis, also known as Type III cell death, has traditionally been thought of as an unintended consequence of extreme external physiological stress. In recent years, researchers have shed light on certain controlled molecular mechanisms that can be activated when a cell is stressed and alternative ways of cell death are unavailable.
This eBook from Cell Signaling Technology explains some of these regulated necrotic cell death pathways, such as necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and NETosis.
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