Which statement about apoptosis is true?

The statement about apoptosis that is accurate describes the role of cytochrome c in the apoptosis process. When a cell experiences stress or receives signals that induce apoptosis, the mitochondria play a crucial role in the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. One key event in this pathway is the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytosol.

Cytochrome c, once in the cytosol, binds to Apaf-1 (apoptotic protease activating factor 1) and promotes the assembly of a complex known as the apoptosome. This complex subsequently activates procaspase-9, leading to a cascade of caspase activation that results in the systematic dismantling of cellular components and ultimately cell death.

This process reflects a critical regulatory mechanism in apoptosis, where mitochondrial signals determine the fate of the cell, highlighting how important cytochrome c is in the execution of apoptosis. By facilitating caspase activation, cytochrome c acts as a pivotal factor in promoting the apoptotic pathway, confirming that the statement regarding its release is indeed true.