A cell is exposed to prolonged nutrient deprivation. Which of the following best describes the role of autophagy in this context?

• A Autophagy triggers apoptosis through caspase-3 activation
• B Autophagy is suppressed during starvation to conserve cellular energy
• C Autophagy directly causes necrotic cell death by lysosomal membrane rupture
• D Autophagy degrades cytoplasmic components to generate nutrients for cell survival ✓

Explanation

Autophagy is a survival mechanism during nutrient deprivation, degrading cytoplasmic organelles and proteins in autophagosomes that fuse with lysosomes to recycle amino acids and fatty acids. It is induced, not suppressed, during starvation. While excessive autophagy can contribute to cell death (autophagic cell death), its primary role in starvation is protective. Caspase-3 activation is apoptotic, not autophagic.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

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