Bleb (cell biology)

The process of apoptosis, with blebbing shown in the middle illustration

In cell biology, a bleb is an irregular bulge in the plasma membrane of a cell undergoing apoptosis. Blebbing is the term used to describe the formation of blebs. During apoptosis, the cell's cytoskeleton breaks up and causes the membrane to bulge outward. These bulges may separate from the cell, taking a portion of cytoplasm with them, to become known as apoptotic bodies. Phagocytic cells eventually consume these fragments and the components are recycled.

Depending on the cell type, blebbing may also occur during cell locomotion, cell division, and physicial or chemical stresses. The types of blebs vary greatly, including variations in bleb growth rates, size, contents, and actin content. Template:SIB