Defects in cellular apoptosis and proliferation play an important role in tumor pathogenesis allowing neoplastic cells to survive beyond their normal intended lifespan. Our earlier studies indicate an inhibition of cell death, enhancement of proliferation and frequent overexpression of p53, bcl-2 and bax, members of the p53-dependent apoptotic pathway in the transition from oral lesions to oral cancer. The present project proposes to determine the expression pattern of apoptotic genes involved in the intrinsic and extrinsic cell death pathways (Fig.1) (viz.