What describes the process of cell death that occurs as a normal part of development?

Apoptosis is a highly regulated and controlled process of cellular self-destruction that is an essential part of growth and development in multicellular organisms. This form of cell death is characterized by specific morphological and biochemical changes, such as cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and membrane blebbing, followed by the fragmentation of the cell into apoptotic bodies that can be easily engulfed and cleared by neighboring cells or phagocytes without eliciting an inflammatory response.

This process plays a crucial role in various developmental processes, including tissue remodeling, shaping of organs, and elimination of excess or potentially harmful cells, such as those with DNA damage. In contrast to necrosis, which is accidental cell death and often results from injury or insufficient blood supply, apoptosis is a methodical process that maintains homeostasis in tissues by ensuring that old, damaged, or unnecessary cells are systematically removed in a way that is beneficial to the organism as a whole.