Answer to Question #43820 in Biochemistry for Debra

Question

A person is declared to be dead upon the irreversible cessation of spontaneous body functions: brain activity, or blood circulation and respiration. However, only about 1% of a person’s cells have to die in order for all of these things to happen. Explain how a person can be dead when 99% of his or her cells are still alive, and provide examples with your explanation.

Answer 1

The complete cessation of cardio-respiratory functions leadsvery quickly to brain death. Brain death is the true criterion for death. When the brain is dead, the functioning of the other organs can be maintained only by the use of modern medical techniques and for a limited time.
The body of a multicellular organism consists of the various body systems structurally and functionally linked as an entity. The brain
coordinates vital functions of the body. Brain death leads to disturbance of functioning of life-sustaining body systems and to the death of the whole organism.