Death of a Cell

Photo: © 2001 by the University of Central Arkansas

Programmed cell death or apoptosis is a necessary process that occurs in our cells. Apoptosis works to keep the body's natural process of cell division or mitosis in check.

Steps of Apoptosis

• Cell undergoes a reduction in size.
• Bubble shaped balls called blebs appear on the surface of the cell.
• Cell breaks down into smaller fragments.
• Other cells, known as phagocytic cells, engulf and destroy the fragments.

Cells that become damaged or undergo some type of infection must be removed without causing harm to other cells. The cell in the image to the right is undergoing apoptosis. You can clearly see the blebs that are forming on the surface of the cell.