The concept of programmed cell death, or apoptosis, has exploded into a major scientific field of interest for cell biologists, oncologists, and many other biomedical researchers. Apoptosis occurs throughout the lifetime of most multicellular organisms. This book discusses the philosophical and technical difficulties in defining the moment of death for a cell, as well as the biological implications and significance of programmed cell death. Recent developments in genetic control and the interacting gene networks associated with apoptosis are presented.
1. Dead or alive; 2. How to die; 3. What to wear and who clears up the rubbish; 4. To reproduce or die; 5. The judge, jury, and executioner - the genes that control cell death; 6. Stem cells; 7. An in vivo system to study apoptosis: the small intestine; 8. Cell death in diverse systems; 9. Measuring levels of cell death.
'A compelling read for anyone interested in organismal development ! This is a timely publication and one that will fill a much-needed niche on biologist's bookshelves.' Biologist