Computational study of the mechanism of Bcl-2 apoptotic switch

► Bcl-2 apoptotic switch requires Bax/Bak activation mediated by BH3-only proteins. ► The model's ultrasensitivity is negatively related to Bax/Bak spontaneous activation. ► The auto-activation of Bax/Bak leads to bistability if mediated by monomeric units.