Darlene McCord – Cell Death and Proliferation

Darlene McCord – There are two distinct mechanisms for cell death. Apoptosis is the result of “normal” or programmed cell death. Through this physiological process cells are routinely eliminated, giving balance to the proliferation of new cells. During apoptosis the outer membrane of the cell forms “bubbles” known as blebs. The content of the cells becomes incased in the blebs. The blebs separate from the cell and are digested by nearby cells or macrophages. This orderly process greatly reduces toxicity to surrounding cells.

Necrosis is the other form of cell death. This is not a programmed event and is known as “accidental” death. This pathological process occurs when cells are exposed to extreme stress, chemical insult, and resultant free radical damage. The early stages of necrosis involve a swelling of the cell called oncosis. During oncosis the cell and its organelles begin to swell due to an exchange in the cell’s potassium to sodium ratios. Necrosis, after the oncosis stage, is an explosive event where the cells contents stream directly into the surrounding cells environment causing damage and an immune response.

Tags: Apoptosis, cell death, Darlene McCord, Dr. Darlene E McCord, Dr. Darlene McCord, mccord research, necrosis, Science