Final answer:
The genetically programmed death of cells is known as apoptosis, a regulated process that removes damaged or unnecessary cells and is crucial for organism development and homeostasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The genetically programmed death of cells is called apoptosis.
Apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, occurs when cells are no longer necessary during development, or when they are genetically or otherwise damaged. The process is essential for maintaining the health of an organism by eliminating old, unnecessary, or damaged cells. Apoptosis is initiated by specific external signals that trigger transcription of Bcl2 genes, leading to the production of specific proteins (Bak and Bax) that allow the release of cytochrome C from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm. This release triggers a cascade of molecular events that culminate in the cell's self-destruction. Unlike necrosis, which is a form of accidental cell death caused by external injury, apoptosis is a regulated process that plays a critical role in development and homeostasis.
Importantly, disruption of apoptosis can lead to diseases such as cancer, where the natural cell death mechanisms are inhibited, allowing damaged or mutated cells to divide uncontrollably. In contrast, mitosis refers to cell division that creates two genetically identical cells, and differentiation is the process by which cells become specialized in function.