The apoptosome is a large protein complex that plays a crucial role in the process of programmed cell death, known as apoptosis. It is formed in response to cellular stress or damage, helping to activate caspases, which are enzymes that carry out the death program in cells. The formation of the apoptosome is typically triggered by the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria. Once assembled, the apoptosome serves as a platform for the recruitment and activation of initiator caspases, particularly caspase-9. This activation leads to a cascade of events that ultimately results in cell death, allowing the body to eliminate damaged or unwanted cells efficiently.