Comparison between Apoptosis and Necrosis

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: February 3, 2024

 

Let me share with you a Comparison between Apoptosis and Necrosis.

Aspect    Apoptosis        Necrosis
Initiation of process Typically a controlled and programmed cell death process initiated by the cell itself or external environment signals Necrosis often occurs as a result of cell damage or injury
Cell Death Regulation Highly regulated, with specific signaling pathways and checkpoints Lacks regulation and cell death is uncontrolled
Cellular Changes Cell shrinks, condenses, and forms apoptotic bodies containing cellular debris Cell swells, ruptures and releases cellular contents into the surrounding tissue
Inflammation Minimal inflammation as cell contents are contained and phagocytosed by neighboring cells Typically triggers inflammation due to the release of cellular contents, leading to an immune response
Energy Requirements Requires energy (ATP) to complete the process Does not require energy and often depletes ATP
Examples ¡        Normal tissue development Removal of damaged or infected cells

¡        Immune response regulation

¡        Trauma

¡        Infection

¡        Ischemia

¡        Toxic exposure

Impact on Surrounding Tissue Minimizes damage to neighboring cells and tissues May cause damage to surrounding tissue due to inflammation and cell rupture
Morphological Changes Cell membrane remains intact and DNA fragmentation occurs Cell membrane integrity is compromised, leading to cell lysis
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