The aim of this volume is to provide an in-depth overview of the state-of-the-art research on apoptosis with contributions from key groups working in the field. This type of programme cell death has received wide and rapid attention and now is considered as one of the hottest areas of science. The volume covers various aspects of the apoptotic death process from the morphological and biochemical features, mechanisms and genetic regulation to its role in pathological process and potential implications for biomedical research and biopharmaceutical production.