Final answer:
Apoptosis is the normal process of removing irreversibly damaged cells in the body. It allows for the elimination of unneeded cells during development and the replacement of worn-out cells. Apoptosis is important in tissue injury, repair, and the prevention of diseases like cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Apoptosis is the normal physiologic process that involves the necessary removal of irreversibly damaged cells. It is programmed cell death that occurs in various situations, such as when a cell is damaged, superfluous, or potentially dangerous to an organism. Apoptosis allows for the elimination of unneeded cells during normal embryological development and the replacement of worn-out cells. It is an important process in tissue injury and repair, as well as in the prevention of diseases like cancer.