The classical 3 x 3 lemma and snake lemma, valid in any abelian category, s
till hold in any quasi-pointed (the map 0 --> 1 is a mono), regular, and pr
otomodular category. Some applications are given, in this abstract context,
concerning the denormalization of kernel maps and the normalization of int
ernals groupoids (i.e., associated crossed modules). (C) 2001 Academic Pres
s.