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AAT Bioquest

What organelle is responsible for apoptosis?

Posted October 21, 2020


Answer

Mitochondria play a pivotal role in apoptosis. Apoptosis or programmed cell death can be initiated by both intracellular and extracellular signals. Mitochondria are responsible for mediating apoptosis initiated by intracellular signals. These are membrane-bound, rod-shaped organelles found in most eukaryotic organisms. Mitochondria act as the power generators of the cell. They generate most of the chemical energy required to power a cell’s biochemical reactions and also initiate the process of apoptosis.

Additional resources

Morphological Features of Organelles during Apoptosis: An Overview

Mitochondria

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