Which statement would a nurse tell a client to best describe apoptosis?

• A. Apoptosis is a type of cell signaling that stimulates muscle contraction.
• B. Apoptosis is the process by which cells engulf and digest foreign particles.
• C. Apoptosis is a programmed process in which cells self-destruct for the benefit of the organism.
• D. Apoptosis is an uncontrolled cell division that leads to tumor formation.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the term 'apoptosis.' Apoptosis is a biological process where cells undergo programmed cell death in a controlled and regulated manner. This process is essential for maintaining the health and balance of an organism by removing damaged, unnecessary, or potentially harmful cells.
2. Step 2: Evaluate the first statement: 'Apoptosis is a type of cell signaling that stimulates muscle contraction.' This is incorrect because apoptosis is not related to muscle contraction. Muscle contraction involves processes like calcium signaling and actin-myosin interactions, not programmed cell death.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'Apoptosis is the process by which cells engulf and digest foreign particles.' This is also incorrect. The process described here is phagocytosis, where cells like macrophages engulf and digest foreign particles or debris, not apoptosis.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the third statement: 'Apoptosis is a programmed process in which cells self-destruct for the benefit of the organism.' This is correct. Apoptosis is a tightly regulated process that helps eliminate cells that are no longer needed or are damaged, preventing potential harm to the organism.
5. Step 5: Evaluate the fourth statement: 'Apoptosis is an uncontrolled cell division that leads to tumor formation.' This is incorrect. Uncontrolled cell division is a hallmark of cancer, not apoptosis. Apoptosis, in fact, helps prevent tumor formation by removing cells with damaged DNA or other abnormalities.