In typical women of reproductive age, the epithelial cells lining the uterus (the endometrium) die and are shed from the body roughly once every month, in the process of menstruation. The triggers in this process include chemical (hormonal) changes and contraction of the blood vessels in the lining. Cell death may be a result of either apoptosis or necrosis. Give the characteristics of each
process. Devise an argument for classifying the process of menstruation as an example of apoptosis, and then argue for classifying it as necrosis. Which is correct?
What will be an ideal response?
(Note to instructor: If students have not yet studied the reproductive system, they may not be able to answer the final question, therefore it could be omitted.) Necrosis is cell death as a result of damage from toxins, physical trauma, or lack of oxygen; damaged cells release chemicals that may damage neighboring cells. Apoptosis is programmed cell death, which is an internally regulated process and affects only the cell it occurs within. Menstruation may result from necrosis if the causative factor is changes in blood flow to the endometrium such that the oxygen supply is inadequate. Menstruation may result from apoptosis if it results from hormonal changes that directly kill the cells. While menstruation is a normal event and removes unneeded cells (characteristics of apoptosis), it results directly from the decrease in circulation, causing the cells to die from lack of oxygen; thus it is an example of necrosis.
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Indicate whether the statement is true or false