Programmed cell death (PCD) is a physiological process in plants that involves the selective elimination of unwanted cells, which can be temporary, overproduced, or unwanted. PCD plays a crucial role in cell and tissue homeostasis, specialization, and disease. In animals, PCD is regulated by specific genes that induce controlled disassembly of cells, involving cytoplasm and nuclear condensation, shrinkage, and fragmentation. In plants, PCD is also regulated by specific genes and can be triggered by various signals, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hormones like ethylene and gibberellin. PCD in plants can occur on a local or large scale, affecting cells during development, senescence, and interactions with pathogens. Key examples include the deletion of aleurone cells, root cap cells, and tracheary elements (TEs), as well as the formation of leaf lobes and perforations. PCD in plants shares similarities with apoptosis in animals, but the mechanisms may differ, with oligosaccharides potentially serving as PCD-suppressing signals. The evolutionary origins of PCD in plants are also discussed, suggesting that conserved mechanisms may exist across eukaryotes.Programmed cell death (PCD) is a physiological process in plants that involves the selective elimination of unwanted cells, which can be temporary, overproduced, or unwanted. PCD plays a crucial role in cell and tissue homeostasis, specialization, and disease. In animals, PCD is regulated by specific genes that induce controlled disassembly of cells, involving cytoplasm and nuclear condensation, shrinkage, and fragmentation. In plants, PCD is also regulated by specific genes and can be triggered by various signals, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hormones like ethylene and gibberellin. PCD in plants can occur on a local or large scale, affecting cells during development, senescence, and interactions with pathogens. Key examples include the deletion of aleurone cells, root cap cells, and tracheary elements (TEs), as well as the formation of leaf lobes and perforations. PCD in plants shares similarities with apoptosis in animals, but the mechanisms may differ, with oligosaccharides potentially serving as PCD-suppressing signals. The evolutionary origins of PCD in plants are also discussed, suggesting that conserved mechanisms may exist across eukaryotes.