Which of the following reflects the correct order of events that occur during apoptosis?

The sequence described in the correct answer accurately represents the typical progression of events that take place during apoptosis, which is a programmed form of cell death.

The process begins with chromatin condensation, where the genetic material within the nucleus becomes compacted. This is a key feature of early apoptosis and indicates that the cell is preparing for death. Following chromatin condensation, membrane blebbing occurs; this is characterized by the bulging or bulging out of the cell membrane, leading to alterations in cell shape. After membrane blebbing, the cell undergoes nuclear collapse, where the structure of the nucleus deteriorates further and loses its integrity. Finally, the culmination of this sequence is the formation of apoptotic bodies—small, membrane-bound vesicles that contain remnants of the dying cell's cytoplasm and organelles. These apoptotic bodies can then be effectively phagocytized by neighboring cells or immune cells, preventing inflammation.

This order is not only significant in understanding the apoptotic process but also in distinguishing apoptosis from necrosis, which is an uncontrolled form of cell death that can lead to inflammation and damage to surrounding tissues. The other options present the steps in an incorrect order, failing to capture the specific progression of physiological changes associated with apoptosis.