Which characteristic differentiates necrosis from apoptosis regarding cell size?
Understand the Problem
The question asks to identify the characteristic that differentiates necrosis from apoptosis based on cell size, indicating that it requires an understanding of cellular processes.
Answer
Necrosis involves cell swelling, apoptosis involves cell shrinkage.
The characteristic that differentiates necrosis from apoptosis regarding cell size is that necrosis is associated with cell swelling, whereas apoptosis involves cell shrinkage.
Answer for screen readers
The characteristic that differentiates necrosis from apoptosis regarding cell size is that necrosis is associated with cell swelling, whereas apoptosis involves cell shrinkage.
More Information
Cell swelling in necrosis is due to the loss of plasma membrane integrity and uncontrolled ion influx, causing the cell to take on water. In contrast, apoptosis is a controlled process where cellular components are systematically dismantled.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the volume change direction for necrosis and apoptosis. Always remember: necrosis leads to swelling, while apoptosis leads to shrinkage.
Sources
- Important factors to identify both types of programmed cell death - novusbio.com
- Discriminating Between Apoptosis, Necrosis, Necroptosis, and... - currentprotocols.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- Apoptosis: A Review of Programmed Cell Death - PMC - NCBI - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov