Cell Biology
Necrosis
Uncontrolled cell death caused by external factors like injury, infection, or lack of blood supply. Unlike apoptosis (programmed death), necrosis is chaotic and can damage surrounding tissue.
Biological Context
Necrotic cells swell and burst, releasing their contents and triggering inflammation. Gangrene is necrosis of tissue. Heart attacks cause necrosis of heart muscle deprived of blood. The body walls off necrotic tissue but cannot easily recycle it like apoptotic cells.
Business Application
Organizational necrosis: uncontrolled failure of business units that damages surrounding parts of the organization. Unlike planned wind-downs (apoptosis), necrotic failures spread chaos—unpaid vendors, stranded customers, demoralized employees.