Cell death can occur through apoptotic or necrotic death pathways. Membrane disruption leads to inflammation, a typical feature of necrosis. Apoptosis constitutes a genetically controlled physiologic process of cell removal. It is characterized by cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and DNA cleavage. Apoptotic cells are rapidly recognized and engulfed by phagocytes thus inhibiting an inflammatory response following necrosis. Apoptosis has been proposed as a basic event to protect tissue homeostasis. This paper analyzes the genetic, biochemical, and morphologic characteristics related to apoptosis, as well as its relationship to certain illnesses.