Cell death: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pathology · Cell death

Sample item

What nuclear change describes chromatin condensation in cell death?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Pyknosis

Pyknosis is irreversible nuclear shrinkage with chromatin condensation, often followed by fragmentation or dissolution during apoptosis or necrosis.

Option by option

  • A. Karyorrhexis

    Karyorrhexis is nuclear fragmentation.

  • B. Karyolysis

    Karyolysis is fading and dissolution of the nucleus.

  • C. Pyknosis (correct)

    Correct: pyknosis is condensed shrunken nuclear chromatin.

  • D. Metaplasia

    Metaplasia is a cellular adaptation, not nuclear death change.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is C, Pyknosis. Pyknosis is irreversible nuclear shrinkage with chromatin condensation, often followed by fragmentation or dissolution during apoptosis or necrosis.

Why is "Karyorrhexis" not the answer?

Karyorrhexis is nuclear fragmentation.

Why is "Karyolysis" not the answer?

Karyolysis is fading and dissolution of the nucleus.

Why is "Metaplasia" not the answer?

Metaplasia is a cellular adaptation, not nuclear death change.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cell death in Pathology. The correct option holds because: Correct: pyknosis is condensed shrunken nuclear chromatin.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Cell death?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.