Which type of cell death is characterized by membrane rupture and the spilling of cell contents?

Necrosis is a type of cell death that is characterized by the rupture of the cell membrane and the subsequent spilling of cell contents into the surrounding environment. This process typically results from acute cellular injury or damage, such as ischemia, toxins, or infections. The uncontrolled release of cellular components during necrosis can lead to inflammation and damage to neighboring tissues, which is in contrast to apoptosis, where cell death occurs in a more controlled and organized manner, without triggering an inflammatory response.

In necrosis, the loss of membrane integrity allows substances that are normally contained within the cell, like enzymes and other cytoplasmic contents, to leak out, which can further provoke an immune response and contribute to tissue damage. Understanding the differences between these pathways of cell death is crucial in the context of diseases, treatments, and the body's response to cellular damage.