Question

1. Imagine that you could microinject cytochrome c into the cytosol of wild-type cells, and cells that express Bcl-2 at an abnormally high level. Would you expect one, both, or neither of the cell lines to undergo apoptosis (2 points)? Explain your reasoning (3 points).

Answer 1

cytochrome C in cytosol is pro apoptotic, WT cells will undergo apoptosis as interaction of cytochrome c and apoptotic protease activating factors(apaf) will lead to activation of caspases which will result in cell death

cells with abnormally high level of bcl-2 will not undergo apoptosis as it is antiapoptotic in nature and regulates the cytochrome c release from the mitochondria by inhibiting the Bax and Bak which are proapoptotic which permeabilise the mitochondria for cyt c release

WT cell undergo apoptosis