There are many different types of apoptotic cascades involving death genes. Our understanding of apoptosis is outlined by the following:

-An influx of calcium ions (Ca+2) from the exterior of the cell, as well as interior stores of calcium, enters the mitochondria.

-The mitochondria releases a pro-apoptotic protein called Diablo into the cell. This may be blocked by the Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic proteins.

-Diablo binds to and inhibits a family of proteins known as the inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) that normally inhibit proteins called caspases. Caspases are types of enzymes that degrade proteins and nuclear DNA.

-A cascade of caspase enzymes are activated, leading to destruction of proteins and nuclear DNA needed for cell survival.