The cellular and molecular control of programmed cell death is known as

The term “apoptosis” specifically refers to programmed cell death and encompasses the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control this process. Classical reviews and textbooks define apoptosis as a genetically regulated form of cell suicide that functions in development, tissue homeostasis, and removal of damaged cells [1]. Molecularly, apoptosis is mediated by defined signaling pathways—intrinsic (mitochondrial) and extrinsic (death-receptor)—and key effectors such as initiator and executioner caspases and regulatory Bcl-2 family proteins, which orchestrate orderly cellular dismantling without provoking inflammation. Thus, among the options given, apoptosis is the correct term for the cellular and molecular control of programmed cell death.

Sources

1. [1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2117903/