Question

All of the following are features of apoptosis, except:

• A. Cellular swelling
• B. Nuclear compaction
• C. Intact cell membrane
• D. Cytoplasmic eosinophilia

Hint:

Shrinkage defines apoptosis; swelling defines necrosis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Define the two patterns of cell death. Apoptosis is programmed, energy-dependent death of single cells. Necrosis is accidental death of groups of cells after severe injury. The morphology differs, and that difference is the key to this question.
Step 2: List the true features of apoptosis. The cell shrinks, so the cytoplasm becomes dense and stains deeply pink, giving cytoplasmic eosinophilia. The chromatin condenses and clumps under the nuclear membrane, which is nuclear compaction (pyknosis). The plasma membrane stays whole, so the cell breaks into membrane-bound apoptotic bodies, meaning the cell membrane is intact. There is no leakage of contents and no inflammation.
Step 3: Find the odd feature. Cellular swelling is the hallmark of necrosis and reversible injury, not apoptosis. It is caused by failure of the membrane ion pumps and water entry. So swelling does not belong to apoptosis.
Step 4: Reject the other options. Nuclear compaction, intact membrane, and cytoplasmic eosinophilia are all genuine apoptotic findings, so none of them is the exception.
Conclusion: The feature that is NOT seen in apoptosis is cellular swelling. The answer is option A.