Blebs are formed when the plasma membrane delaminates from the cortical cytoskeletal network to form blisters that are expanded by increased hydrostatic pressure produced by actomyosin-mediated cellular contraction. As apoptosis progresses, blebs may break away from the cell body to form membrane-clad apoptotic bodies.

What is bleb formation?

Blebs are spherical plasma membrane protrusions formed when the membrane detaches from the underlying cortex as a result of actomyosin contractility-powered increase of hydrostatic pressure in the cytoplasm.

What happens to the blebs?

During apoptosis (programmed cell death), 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 blebs. Phagocytic cells eventually consume these fragments and the components are recycled.