How Does Programmed Cell Death Work

If cells are no longer needed, they commit suicide by activating an intracellular death program. This process is therefore called programmed cell death, although it is more commonly called apoptosis (from a Greek word meaning “falling off,” as leaves from a tree).

What happens during programmed cell death?

In programmed cell death, cells undergo “cellular suicide” when they receive certain cues. Apoptosis involves the death of a cell, but it benefits the organism as a whole (for instance, by letting fingers develop or eliminating potential cancer cells).

What is the mechanism that triggers programmed cell death?

apoptosis, also called programmed cell death, in biology, a mechanism that allows cells to self-destruct when stimulated by the appropriate trigger. Apoptosis can be triggered by mild cellular injury and by various factors internal or external to the cell; the damaged cells are then disposed of in an orderly fashion.