Apoptosis is a very common mechanism of cell death that contributes to normal cell turnover, and there are many examples of the utility of apoptotic cell death. Apoptosis is also known as programmed cell death because the steps follow an orderly sequence (a death program), and tissue disruption, organ dysfunction, and inflammation are minimized.

Why is it important for cell death programs to exist? How do they contribute to normal physiology and the prevention of disease? What are the characteristics of Necrotic and Apoptotic Cell Death Pathways?