The realization of the importance of the control of cell survival and cell death has been one of the most significant developments in eukaryotic cell biology over the last two decades. This book comprehensively reviews knowledge of the main mechanism of cell death, apoptosis, both from the molecular viewpoint and in relation to the roles of this process in mammalian physiology and pathology. There are also useful chapters describing the significance of apoptosis in lower eukaryotes. Importantly, the book additionally includes reviews of other mechanisms of cell death (necrosis and autophagy), which are currently of considerable interest to cell biologists. The 31 individually contributed chapters are well written and scholarly in content and present the reader with a thorough and up-to-date insight into these fields. This book is highly recommended for scientists working in many areas of cell or developmental biology, as well as those involved in more clinical fields, such as neurobiology or molecular oncology.