Campbell Biology (11th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-13409-341-0
ISBN 13: 978-0-13409-341-3

Chapter 11 - 11.5 - Concept Check - Page 231: 1

Answer

Apoptosis can be seen in the disappearance of webbing from between human fingers during embryonic development. The role of apoptosis is to remove parts not needed at the end of development, since it kills off the cells of which those parts are made. Apoptosis is triggered in the space between what will become digits or fingers in many animals, preventing webbing.

Work Step by Step

The most important concept here is that apoptosis is deliberate removal of some cells, like a sculptor removing stone to leave just the final statue.
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