Question

Apoptosis can occur in a cell when the cell is ________________.

a. damaged

b. no longer needed

c. infected by a virus

d. all of the above

Short answer

The correct option is d.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction 

Apoptosis is also known as programmed death of the cell.

Step 2. Explanation for Correct option

Apoptosis allows a living cell to die in a supervised manner that avoids the secretion of potentially damaging substances from inside the cell.

Step 2. Explanation for Incorrect options

Option a is incorrect because apoptosis can be initiated not only by damaged cells but also by virus-infected cells and cells which are no longer needed.

Option b is incorrect because apoptosis can be initiated not only by cell that are no longer needed but also by virus infected cells and damaged cell.

Option c is incorrect because apoptosis can be initiated not only by virus infected cell but also by damaged cells and cells which are no longer needed.

Option d is correct because apoptosis can be initiated by various ways such as when cell is no longer needed, when cell is damaged and when cell is infected by a virus.