Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Practice Exam

What is apoptosis?

1. An uncontrolled form of cell death

2. A program of controlled cell suicide

3. The process by which cells divide

4. The merging of cells with adjacent structures

The correct answer is: A program of controlled cell suicide

Apoptosis is indeed a program of controlled cell suicide that is essential for maintaining the health of an organism. This process is highly regulated and allows cells to systematically dismantle themselves when they are no longer needed or are damaged beyond repair. It plays a crucial role in various biological processes, such as embryonic development, immune system regulation, and the elimination of potentially harmful cells, such as those that may become cancerous. During apoptosis, a series of molecular signals triggers the cell to undergo a sequence of events that lead to its death. This includes the fragmentation of the cell's DNA, the disassembly of cellular components, and the eventual engulfment and removal of the apoptotic cell by surrounding immune cells without causing inflammation. This is a contrast to necrosis, which is an uncontrolled form of cell death that often results from injury or disease and typically leads to inflammation. Understanding apoptosis is vital in the context of many diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative conditions, where the balance of cell death and survival is disrupted. Thus, the correct identification of apoptosis as a program of controlled cell suicide highlights its importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis and overall health in multicellular organisms.