Apoptosis is best described as:

• A. a programmed process of cell death essential for development and homeostasis
• B. the fusion of two cells to form a multinucleated cell
• C. the process by which cells engulf and digest foreign particles
• D. an uncontrolled cell division leading to tumor formation

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the term 'apoptosis' by breaking it down: 'apo-' means 'away from' and '-ptosis' means 'falling'. Apoptosis refers to a programmed process of cell death.
2. Recognize that apoptosis is essential for maintaining homeostasis and proper development in multicellular organisms. It helps remove damaged, unnecessary, or potentially harmful cells.
3. Differentiate apoptosis from other processes: it is not the fusion of cells (which is related to processes like syncytium formation) nor the engulfing and digesting of foreign particles (which is phagocytosis).
4. Understand that apoptosis is a controlled process, unlike uncontrolled cell division, which can lead to tumor formation (a hallmark of cancer).
5. Conclude that apoptosis is best described as 'a programmed process of cell death essential for development and homeostasis,' as it plays a critical role in shaping tissues during development and removing harmful cells.