Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death. This is a normal process that happens to many
cells such as skin cells which live for only a few weeks and are then sloughed off. Genes suppress
or trigger programmed cell death. Protein cleaving enzymes called ICE-like proteases are signals
that unleash molecular weapons of self-destruction. Cancer cells are abnormal and do not commit
suicide on cue.
This animation (Audio - Important) demonstrates how
apoptosis functions in development.
