The term used for permanent pore formation in cell membranes caused by strong electric fields is what?

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

Answer: (C)

Permanent pore formation in cell membranes caused by strong electric fields is called irreversible electroporation. When a strong electric pulse is applied, the membrane lipids form pores; if the pulse is intense or long enough, these pores don’t reseal. The membrane loses its integrity, disrupts ion balance and cellular homeostasis, and the cell dies. This differs from reversible electroporation, where pores are temporary and the membrane reseals, allowing molecules to pass through without killing the cell. The other terms describe different cell death pathways or processes—apoptosis is programmed cell death, necrosis is uncontrolled cell death from injury, and autophagy is a self-digestion process—not the mechanism of permanent membrane pore formation caused by electric fields.