The process where high electric field gradients cause permanent hyperpermeabilization of the cell membrane leading to loss of homeostasis is called what?

• A. Apoptosis
• B. Necrosis
• C. Irreversible electroporation
• D. Autophagy

Answer: (C)

When cells are exposed to very high electric field gradients, the membrane pores become permanent rather than resealing. This causes a loss of membrane integrity, collapse of ion gradients, and disruption of energy balance, so the cell can no longer maintain homeostasis and ultimately dies. This specific outcome is irreversible electroporation. It’s different from reversible electroporation, where pores reseal after the pulse and the cell recovers. Apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis are other forms of cell death or degradation processes and do not describe the permanent, field-induced loss of membrane integrity seen with irreversible electroporation.