Stages Of Apoptosis (exam question)

[Anne Boleyn]

hey guys, so in the 2016 exam (question 3 in short answer) there was a question wanting you to describe the main stages of apoptosis. In the examination report it states that " phagocytosis of cell debris was not accepted" i just wanted to ask why? is there something wrong with this statement? isn't it the last stage of apoptosis? 

Thanks in advance 

[fruitbowl34]

It could probably be because the 2016 exam followed the previous study design and we've got a new study design, so I think that answer would be accepted in this study design!!

[TheBigC]

hey guys, so in the 2016 exam (question 3 in short answer) there was a question wanting you to describe the main stages of apoptosis. In the examination report it states that " phagocytosis of cell debris was not accepted" i just wanted to ask why? is there something wrong with this statement? isn't it the last stage of apoptosis? 

Thanks in advance 

There is a bit of a blurred line between the final stage of apoptosis and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. Several texts include phagocytosis in the process (as the final step), whereas others suggest it occurs FOLLOWING apoptosis. Clearly, VCAA believes that apoptosis is separate to phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. For this reason, it is safest for you to adopt their train of thought.

[vox nihili]

hey guys, so in the 2016 exam (question 3 in short answer) there was a question wanting you to describe the main stages of apoptosis. In the examination report it states that " phagocytosis of cell debris was not accepted" i just wanted to ask why? is there something wrong with this statement? isn't it the last stage of apoptosis? 

Thanks in advance 

I can't remember this question, but it sounds a little bit silly. It's just VCAA splitting hairs where splitting hairs is really unnecessary.

I don't have anything to add to the above, because you've already got some great answers, just wanted to reassure you though that you shouldn't feel too bad about getting htis one wrong.