What Role Does Apoptosis Play in Cellular Stress Response?
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a critical component of the cellular stress response. When cells are exposed to toxicants and damage is beyond repair, apoptosis is initiated to prevent the propagation of damaged cells. This process involves a series of signaling events that lead to cell death without causing inflammation. Apoptosis is a protective mechanism that eliminates cells that could potentially lead to cancer or other diseases.