Final answer:
Apoptosis is the series of programmed cellular changes that result in cell death, which is vital in maintaining healthy tissue and preventing disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Programmed cellular changes that lead to cell death are known as apoptosis. Apoptosis is a critical process in normal organism development and occurs when cells are no longer needed, or when they are damaged beyond repair. The process begins with a signaling molecule that triggers transcription of Bcl2 genes, leading to the production of proteins such as Bax and Bak, which are parts of the outer mitochondrial membrane channels. These proteins allow the release of cytochrome C into the cytoplasm, setting off a cascade of molecular events that lead to the cell's orderly destruction. This programmed cell death is essential for the proper development and maintenance of healthy tissues and plays a pivotal role in embryonic development and the disposal of harmful cells, thereby preventing potential diseases such as cancer.