Apoptosis or programmed cell death is the mechanism that cells employ to eliminate cells with irreparably damaged DNA. Abnormalities in the regulation of apoptosis have been implicated in the origins of various human diseases. This chapter discusses the biological manifestations of apoptosis and gives an overview of the regulatory biochemical pathways. These pathways are classified as either intrinsic or extrinsic — the former being mediated by the mitochondria, and the latter by so-called death ligands. Kinetic models of these pathways are also presented. Exercises are provided at the end of the chapter.
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