Cell death is a natural process that occurs in living organisms, essential for growth and maintenance. There are two main types: apoptosis, which is programmed cell death, and necrosis, which results from injury or disease. Apoptosis helps eliminate damaged or unnecessary cells without causing inflammation, while necrosis can lead to inflammation and harm surrounding tissues.
Understanding cell death is crucial in various fields, including medicine and biology. In cancer research, for example, scientists study how cancer cells evade apoptosis to develop better treatments. Additionally, studying cell death can provide insights into neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, where cell loss contributes to disease progression.