Apoptosis | The Mitochondrial Pathway

The video tutorial by Kevin Tolkoff explores apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, focusing on the mitochondrial pathway. It explains the role of zymogen cascades, particularly the activation of pro-death proteins like cytochrome C, AIF, and Diablo, and the inhibition of pro-survival proteins such as BCL-2. The tutorial also covers the function of caspases in executing apoptosis and the impact of external stimuli like UV radiation on triggering cell death. The video sets the stage for further exploration of the extrinsic pathway in subsequent tutorials.

What is a zymogen cascade?

• A process where cells divide uncontrollably

• A type of immune response

• A series of inactive proteins that become active in response to a stimulus

• A method of DNA replication

Which protein is crucial for maintaining cell survival by plugging mitochondrial pores?

• Cytochrome C

• AIF

• BCL-2

• Caspase 9

What happens when pro-death genes like Bad, Bax, and Bak are expressed?

• The cell becomes cancerous

• The cell undergoes mitosis

• The cell initiates apoptosis

• The cell repairs its DNA

Which of the following is NOT a pro-death gene?

• BCL-2

• Bak

• Bax

• Bad

What is the role of IAP in the cell?

• It promotes apoptosis

• It inhibits apoptosis

• It repairs DNA

• It activates caspases

What is the primary role of executioner caspases?

• To initiate apoptosis

• To directly execute the cell death program

• To repair DNA

• To inhibit apoptosis

What is the function of the apoptosome?

• To promote cell division

• To inhibit cytochrome C

• To activate caspase 9

• To repair damaged DNA

Which protein is known to inhibit IAP, thus promoting apoptosis?

• Diablo

• BCL-2

• Cytochrome C

• AIF

What triggers the activation of procaspase 9?

• Binding of a ligand to a cell receptor

• Release of cytochrome C into the cytoplasm

• Cell division

• DNA replication

What is the role of AIF in apoptosis?

• It condenses chromatin and triggers DNA degradation

• It promotes cell survival

• It activates caspase 9

• It inhibits cytochrome C