What does apoptosis refer to?

Apoptosis refers to programmed cell death, a crucial process in maintaining cellular homeostasis and development in multicellular organisms. Unlike necrosis, which is uncontrolled cell death often resulting from injury or disease, apoptosis is an orderly and controlled mechanism that allows cells to self-destruct when they are no longer needed or are potentially harmful to the organism. This regulated process is important for processes such as embryogenesis, immune system function, and eliminating damaged or mutated cells that could lead to cancer. By invoking a series of biochemical events, apoptosis ensures that cells can dismantle themselves without causing an inflammatory response, leading to a more efficient and safe removal of unwanted cells.