What is the process called when neurons are systematically pruned during early development?

What is the process called when neurons are systematically pruned during early development?

• A. Apoptosis
• B. Mitosis
• C. Meiosis
• D. Differentiation

Answer: (A)

This item is about how the nervous system trims excess cells through programmed cell death. During early development, many neurons are produced, but not all can form stable, functional connections. Those that don’t receive the right signals or wiring cues are eliminated through apoptosis, a controlled self-destruction process. This pruning helps refine neural circuits and ensures the surviving neurons are the ones that contribute to effective brain function. In contrast, mitosis is the process of cell division that creates new cells, meiosis is division that produces gametes, and differentiation is the process of cells becoming specialized.

This item is about how the nervous system trims excess cells through programmed cell death. During early development, many neurons are produced, but not all can form stable, functional connections. Those that don’t receive the right signals or wiring cues are eliminated through apoptosis, a controlled self-destruction process. This pruning helps refine neural circuits and ensures the surviving neurons are the ones that contribute to effective brain function. In contrast, mitosis is the process of cell division that creates new cells, meiosis is division that produces gametes, and differentiation is the process of cells becoming specialized.