Apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, is a process where cells self-destruct to maintain homeostasis. It allows the body to eliminate cells that are damaged, unneeded, or potentially harmful. Apoptosis is an important process for health as it helps rid the body of these cells and shapes organs during development. In cancer cells, apoptosis is inhibited, allowing uncontrolled growth and spread of the cells. Understanding apoptosis and how it is blocked in cancer is important for developing new treatments and preventing cancer progression.

1. Chapter 23
Aging and Senescence

2. Special Topic/ Title:
The Science of
Apoptosis: A
Journey to Life
and Death

3. Introduction to Apoptosis
The Benefits of Apoptosis
The Role of Apoptosis in Cancer
Conclusion
OUTLINE

4. ● What is apoptosis
and how does it
work?
4

5. INTRODUCTION
● Apoptosis, also known as 'programmed cell
death', is a process by which cells self-destruct
in order to maintain homeostasis in the body. It
is an integral part of the body's natural defense
system, allowing the body to rid itself of cells
that are no longer needed or are potentially
harmful.

6. In simple term
● Apoptosis is a type of cell death in which a series
of molecular steps in a cell lead to its death. This
is one method the body uses to get rid of unneeded
or abnormal cells. The process of apoptosis may be
blocked in cancer cells. Also called programmed
cell death.
6

7. The Benefits of Apoptosis
● Apoptosis is an important process for
maintaining the health of the body. It helps
to rid the body of cells that are no longer
needed or are potentially harmful, and it also
helps to maintain homeostasis. It is also
important for the development of the body,
as it helps to shape organs and tissues.

8. The Role of Apoptosis in Cancer
● Apoptosis plays an important role in the
development and progression of cancer. In
healthy cells, apoptosis helps to maintain
homeostasis and rid the body of cells that are
no longer needed or are potentially harmful.
However, in cancer cells, apoptosis is inhibited,
allowing the cells to grow and spread
unchecked.

9. The Role of Apoptosis in Cancer
● Understanding the role of apoptosis in cancer is
important for developing treatments and
preventing the spread of the disease.
Additionally, understanding the process of
apoptosis can help researchers develop drugs
that target cancer cells and inhibit their growth.

10. Conclusion
● Apoptosis is an essential process for
maintaining the health of the body. Its failure
can lead to a variety of diseases, including
cancer. Understanding apoptosis is important
for developing treatments and preventing
diseases, as well as for understanding the role
of cell death inhibitors in treating disease.

11. References:
● Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, et al. (2002). Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th
edition. New York: Garland Science; 2002. Programmed Cell Death
(Apoptosis) Retrieved from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26873/
● Jajoo, Aarti, PhD. (2023). Apoptosis. National Human Genome Research
Institute. Retrieved from https://www.genome.gov/genetics-
glossary/apoptosis#:~:text=Apoptosis%20is%20the%20process%20of,a
%20role%20in%20preventing%20cancer.
● Schlesinger, P. H. (2022, December 19). apoptosis. Encyclopedia Britannica.
Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/science/apoptosis