The Death of Cells: Molecular Biology and Pathophysiology

The death of cells is a natural and essential part of biology, playing a crucial role in growth, development, and maintaining health. It occurs mainly through two processes: apoptosis, where cells intentionally turn off and are quietly removed, and necrosis, often caused by injury leading to cell destruction and inflammation. Molecular biology studies these mechanisms at a detailed level, revealing how cells regulate survival and death. Understanding cell death helps us comprehend diseases like cancer, where the process fails, or neurodegenerative conditions, where excessive cell death occurs, guiding the development of targeted therapies.