Often called executioners, these proteases, enzymes which break apart peptide bonds through hydrolysis, are catalysts that begin the process of apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Caspases are triggered through specific cell death pathways and take cells that are too far gone—whether from pathogens or molecular damage—to the hereafter. DARE cells secrete growth signals that give NARE cells an advantage, while signals from NARE cells contribute to homeostasis by keeping DARE cells from multiplying unchecked. DARE cells also prevent overproliferation of NARE cells. Prevention of cell death can actually be detrimental when it occurs in cancerous tumors, giving them the power to resist radiation treatment.