Cell death is an important part of cellular life. All cells in the body must die at some point, sometimes they die too soon (Necrosis) and sometimes they die at a specific time (Apoptosis).

Apoptosis is often refereed to as programmed cell death and is an essential part of life. To the left is a video of Apoptosis on an molecular level. The cell detaches from its surroundings, and a cascade of events leads to the inside of cell collapsing. The cell packages organelles, nutrients and sections of DNA (giving it a bubbly appearance). These packaged are absorbed by surrounding cells.

An example of Apoptosis is during embryonic development. Your hand originally is built in a bundle of cells. Then cells systematically die, forming your 5 finger. This is seen in the video to the right.

During the ages of around 7 to 15, neurons in the brain undergo Apoptosis. This is called Synaptic pruning.

To the left is a diagram of a cancer tumour.  

When the cell is damaged it normally undergoes Apoptosis. However if a damaged cell does not under go Apoptosis it often becomes a cancerous cell, constantly replicating.

Necrosis is caused by a physical disruption. This disruption can occur through:

• Injury, such as a punch, kick or slap.
• bacterial toxins
• nutrition deprivation, such as a lack of oxygen.

Necrosis is considered a ‘bad’ cell death. Bacterial toxins can cause cells to swell and burst. Intense injury can cause cells to burst from the sheer force of the blow. Lysosomes may be released in the process. This is bad not only for the cell, but for the surrounding cells as harmful toxins can be released from the cell.

This release of intracellular content is a main cause of inflammation.