How does apoptosis contribute to the immune system's function?
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Correct answer: By eliminating self-reactive T-lymphocytes in the thymus
Negative selection in the thymus uses apoptosis to eliminate T-cells that recognize 'self' antigens. This process is critical for preventing autoimmune diseases and ensuring self-tolerance.
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More Apoptosis and Its Significance questions
- Which caspase is uniquely associated with the initiation of the extrinsic pathway?
- C. elegans was a critical model for studying apoptosis. Which gene in C. elegans is functionally homologous to the human Bcl-2?
- Which condition is associated with a 'failure' or inhibition of normal apoptosis?
- What is the role of IAPs (Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins) in the cell?
- Which of the following triggers would most likely activate the intrinsic apoptotic pathway?
- The cleavage of which structural protein by caspases leads to the characteristic 'blebbing' of the plasma membrane?