during the process of keratinization, the cell's and organelles disintegrate and the cells start to die.

During the process of keratinization, the cell's nucleus and organelles disintegrate, and the cells start to die. This process involves keratinocytes becoming metabolically inactive as their organelles degrade. The cells ultimately become flattened dead cells filled with keratin, forming a tough protective layer in the skin called the stratum corneum. Keratinization is considered a unique form of programmed cell death called cornification, which differs from apoptosis. Unlike apoptosis, where cell fragments are phagocytosed, cornified keratinocytes remain intact and are not engulfed by other cells. The disintegration of the nucleus during keratinization occurs through mechanisms distinct from those in apoptosis and may involve specific enzymes like caspases. This process is essential for forming the skin's protective barrier, as the keratin-filled dead cells form a durable outer layer that prevents water loss and protects underlying tissues. The cornified cells initially retain some structural integrity despite being dead, unlike apoptotic cells which fragment and are cleared away.