What is the term used for the programmed cell death?

The term used for programmed cell death is apoptosis. This process is a highly regulated and controlled mechanism that leads to cellular self-destruction when cells are no longer needed, are damaged, or when they pose a threat to the organism, such as those that could contribute to cancer.

Apoptosis plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including development, immune system function, and tissue homeostasis. It involves a series of biochemical events leading to characteristic cellular changes and death, including cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and DNA fragmentation. This orderly process prevents inflammation and damage to surrounding tissues, distinguishing it from necrosis, which is a form of uncontrolled cell death that typically results from injury or disease and can lead to inflammation.

In contrast, cell division refers to the process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells, and cell differentiation describes the process by which cells become specialized in structure and function. These processes are essential for growth and development but are not directly associated with the programmed cell death concept that apoptosis embodies.