The article presents the current state of knowledge of zinc as a modulator of apoptosis. This important trace element in the form of a bivalent cation has the ability to both the inhibitor and inducer of apoptosis. Contribution of Zn2 + ions in the regulation of programmed cell death is still not fully understood. It is suggested that Zn2 + ions can interact with multiple sites in the cell signaling cascade during apoptosis. Supplementation with zinc acts as an inhibitor of apoptosis, while its removal or low level induces programmed death in many cells.