Which of the following is the key morphological feature that distinguishes apoptosis from necrosis?
- A Apoptosis causes inflammation; necrosis does not
- B Apoptosis involves cell swelling; necrosis involves cell shrinkage
- C Apoptosis preserves cell membrane integrity; necrosis involves membrane rupture ✓
- D Apoptosis is always pathological; necrosis is always physiological
Correct answer: C. Apoptosis preserves cell membrane integrity; necrosis involves membrane rupture
Explanation
Apoptosis is characterized by cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and formation of apoptotic bodies with intact plasma membranes, so no inflammation occurs. Necrosis involves cell swelling, membrane rupture, and release of intracellular contents causing inflammation. Apoptosis can be physiological (embryogenesis, hormone-dependent involution) or pathological.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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