Which statement correctly describes apoptosis?

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Apoptosis is a genetically programmed, tightly regulated process of cell death that removes cells in a controlled way. It relies on caspases to execute orderly steps, including cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, membrane blebbing, and formation of apoptotic bodies that are cleared by phagocytes. Because the plasma membrane stays intact until late, cellular contents are not released in an inflammatory fashion, helping protect surrounding tissue. In contrast, necrosis is unplanned and uncontrolled, often due to injury, leading to loss of membrane integrity and inflammation. So, describing apoptosis as programmed, controlled cell death is the best answer.