Apoptosis is an normal process which occurs during embryogenesis and throughout life. It maintains tissue homeostasis. Cells actively participate in their own destruction. Morphological changes include: plasma membrane loss, condensation of cytoplasm and nucleus and the dying cells "apoptotic bodies" disappear without eliciting an inflammatory reaction. Apoptosis is an active process dependent on protein synthesis and abnormalities in the process may have serious consequences with respect to neoplasia, autoimmunity etc. Several signalling pathways have been implicated in promoting/preventing apoptosis.
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