Apoptosis is a one example of genetically-regulated cell death. It is characterized by the phylogenetically highly conserved activation of specific genes and proteins followed by energy-consuming proteolytic autodestruction. Apoptosis seems to be physiological and highly selective mechanism to eliminate either old or injured cells in organisms. It is in contrary to mitosis. A highly complex combination of various stimuli both extracellular and intracellular origins is required for induction of apoptosis together with preserved oxidative phosphorylation.

        Key words: Cell death - Apoptosis - Necrosis - Induction - Mechanisms