Which statement describes the final fate of cell fragments after apoptosis?

Which statement describes the final fate of cell fragments after apoptosis?

• A. The cell fragments are released to the extracellular space
• B. The nucleus enlarges
• C. The chromatin remains intact
• D. The cell fragments are consumed by white blood cells

Answer: (D)

During apoptosis, cells are neatly dismantled into small, membrane-bound fragments called apoptotic bodies, and the nucleus typically condenses and fragments rather than enlarges. These fragments are rapidly recognized and engulfed by phagocytes, such as white blood cells (macrophages and other immune cells), which digest and remove them. This clearance by phagocytes is why the final fate is described as the cell fragments being consumed by white blood cells. The other statements don’t fit because apoptosis involves chromatin condensation and fragmentation (not intact chromatin), nuclear changes other than enlargement, and debris is not released freely into the extracellular space.

During apoptosis, cells are neatly dismantled into small, membrane-bound fragments called apoptotic bodies, and the nucleus typically condenses and fragments rather than enlarges. These fragments are rapidly recognized and engulfed by phagocytes, such as white blood cells (macrophages and other immune cells), which digest and remove them. This clearance by phagocytes is why the final fate is described as the cell fragments being consumed by white blood cells. The other statements don’t fit because apoptosis involves chromatin condensation and fragmentation (not intact chromatin), nuclear changes other than enlargement, and debris is not released freely into the extracellular space.