Why is apoptosis potentially threatening to the healthy "neighbors" of a dying cell?
A) Cell death would usually spread from one cell to the next via paracrine signals.
B) Lysosomal enzymes exiting the dying cell would damage surrounding cells.
C) Released cellular energy would interfere with the neighbors' energy budget.
D) Bits of membrane from the dying cell could merge with neighbors and bring in foreign receptors.
E) Neighboring cells would activate immunological responses.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lysosomal enzymes can damage surrounding cells if they are released from a dying cell. This is because lysosomal enzymes are meant to break down cell components and can do so indiscriminately if released outside of the cell. This can cause damage to nearby healthy cells. Therefore, apoptosis can be potentially threatening to the healthy "neighbors" of a dying cell.

Why Is Apoptosis Potentially Threatening to the Healthy "Neighbors" of a Dying