What is the term for programmed cell death?

• A. Apoptosis
• B. Neurogenesis
• C. Cytokinesis
• D. Regeneration

Answer: (A)

The term for programmed cell death is apoptosis. This process is a vital part of many developmental and physiological processes in organisms. Apoptosis allows cells to die in a controlled manner, which is important for maintaining tissue homeostasis, shaping organs during development, and eliminating damaged or potentially harmful cells, such as those that are cancerous.

During apoptosis, a series of events occur within the cell, including the condensation of chromatin, DNA fragmentation, and the eventual engulfing of the dying cell by neighboring cells, which prevents inflammation and damage to surrounding tissues. This process is carefully regulated by a number of genes and proteins.

In contrast, neurogenesis refers to the formation of new neurons from neural stem cells or progenitor cells, which is crucial for brain development and can continue into adulthood in certain areas of the brain. Cytokinesis is the process during cell division in which the cytoplasm of a parental cell is divided into two daughter cells. Regeneration involves the regrowth of lost or damaged tissues or organs and is often seen in certain species of animals but does not refer specifically to programmed cell death.