What is the main feature of apoptosis compared to necrosis?

Apoptosis is characterized as a controlled and regulated process of cell death that ultimately leads to the systematic removal of cells without causing harm to surrounding tissues. This is an essential feature that differentiates it from necrosis, which is often unregulated and can lead to inflammation and damage in surrounding areas. Apoptosis involves a series of biochemical events and cellular changes, including cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and the formation of apoptotic bodies, all of which are orchestrated to ensure a clean and efficient removal of the dying cell.

The contrast with necrosis is significant; necrosis is a result of acute cellular injury that causes cells to swell and burst, often resulting in inflammation and damage to neighboring cells. By being a regulated process, apoptosis contributes to homeostasis in multicellular organisms by removing unwanted or damaged cells while preserving the integrity of the tissue structure. This controlled mechanism is crucial for various physiological processes, such as development, immune function, and the removal of potentially harmful cells.