@bot
There are many points during the cell cycle when the process
of division may stop because of a problem. Sometimes the
process doesn’t stop. Summarize the function of apoptosis in
the cell cycle. (1 point)
to destroy damaged or old cells
to repair damaged or old cells
to allow the cell to rest before the cell cycle
restarts
to facilitate cell reproduction before the cell
cycle restarts
The function of apoptosis in the cell cycle is to destroy damaged or old cells.
The function of apoptosis in the cell cycle is to destroy damaged or old cells.
The correct answer is: to destroy damaged or old cells.
Apoptosis is a programmed cell death mechanism that plays a crucial role in the cell cycle. It helps to eliminate cells that are damaged beyond repair, infected by viruses, or aged. This process is essential for maintaining the integrity and functionality of tissues and organs in multicellular organisms.
Now, to arrive at the correct answer, we first need to understand the function of apoptosis in the cell cycle. One way to do this is by eliminating the answer choices that are not accurate:
1. "To repair damaged or old cells" is incorrect because apoptosis does not repair cells. Instead, it removes damaged or old cells.
2. "To allow the cell to rest before the cell cycle restarts" is incorrect because apoptosis does not provide rest to the cell. It is a mechanism to eliminate cells that cannot be repaired, and it does not involve a resting phase.
3. "To facilitate cell reproduction before the cell cycle restarts" is also incorrect because apoptosis is not involved in facilitating cell reproduction. It is focused on eliminating unwanted or damaged cells.
By eliminating the incorrect answer choices, we are left with the actual function of apoptosis in the cell cycle, which is "to destroy damaged or old cells." This function helps maintain tissue and organ health by eliminating cells that could potentially harm or disrupt normal cellular functions.