How does gravity affect the formation and behavior of stars?

Gravity plays a crucial role in the formation and behavior of stars. It pulls together gas and dust in space, causing them to collapse and form a dense core. As the core becomes more compact, the pressure and temperature increase, eventually leading to nuclear fusion and the birth of a star. Throughout a star's life, gravity continues to pull inward, balancing the outward pressure from nuclear reactions. When a star runs out of fuel, gravity causes it to collapse or expand, leading to its eventual fate as a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole.