Regulated cell death occurs in ageing and damaged cells - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 11 - 2015 - Paper 1
Question 11
Regulated cell death occurs in ageing and damaged cells. This process involves activated enzymes called caspases. Caspase activation leads to the breakdown of the cy... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Regulated cell death occurs in ageing and damaged cells - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 11 - 2015 - Paper 1
Step 1
a. cell death pathway is initiated by DNA damage.
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Answer
The pathway for cell death can indeed be initiated by DNA damage, which triggers various cellular signaling cascades. However, in the context of this question, specifically regarding the role of the Fas receptor, this statement is less directly relevant to the diagram presented.
Step 2
b. caspases and adaptor proteins compete for sites to bind to the Fas receptor.
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Caspases do not compete with adaptor proteins for binding sites on the Fas receptor; rather, adaptor proteins facilitate the recruitment of caspases to the receptor after binding occurs, leading to caspase activation.
Step 3
c. breakdown of the mitochondrial membrane activates a range of caspase enzymes.
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The breakdown of the mitochondrial membrane releases pro-apoptotic factors that can indeed lead to the activation of caspase enzymes. This process plays a significant role in the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis.
Step 4
d. attachment of the Fas protein to the Fas receptor is required for caspase activation.
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This statement is true. The binding of the Fas protein to its receptor is essential for the formation of a signaling complex that activates caspases, thus initiating the apoptotic process.