**Core Concept**
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a vital physiological process that eliminates damaged or unwanted cells from the body. The process is characterized by a series of morphological and biochemical changes that ultimately lead to cell death. Understanding the sequence of events in apoptosis is crucial for identifying and diagnosing various diseases.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The earliest change seen in apoptosis is the activation of caspases, specifically caspase-8, which triggers a cascade of proteolytic reactions. This activation leads to the cleavage of various cellular substrates, including DNA repair enzymes and structural proteins. As a result, the cell undergoes a series of morphological changes, including membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, and DNA fragmentation. The activation of caspases is a critical step in the initiation of apoptosis.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the activation of caspases is not the first step in apoptosis. While caspases play a crucial role in the execution phase of apoptosis, the earliest change is the activation of pro-apoptotic proteins.

**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria is a downstream event in apoptosis, triggered by the activation of caspases.

**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the cleavage of PARP (poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase) is a consequence of caspase activation, not an early change in apoptosis.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key feature of apoptosis is the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, as the dying cell is rapidly phagocytosed by neighboring cells or macrophages, preventing inflammation and tissue damage.

**Correct Answer:** A.