**Core Concept**
Apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, is a vital physiological process that eliminates damaged or unwanted cells from the body. It involves a series of cellular changes, including DNA fragmentation, cytoplasmic shrinkage, and membrane blebbing.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Apoptosis is characterized by several distinct features, including **DNA fragmentation**, **cytoplasmic shrinkage**, **membrane blebbing**, and **phagocytic clearance**. These changes occur due to the activation of caspases, a family of cysteine proteases that play a central role in the execution of apoptosis. The process is tightly regulated by pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins, which interact with each other to determine the fate of the cell.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Not applicable, as the correct answer is not provided yet.
* **Option B:** Not a characteristic of apoptosis, as it is a feature of necrosis, a different form of cell death. Necrosis is typically associated with cellular damage and inflammation.
* **Option C:** Not a characteristic of apoptosis, as it is a feature of autophagy, a process of cellular self-digestion that occurs in response to nutrient deprivation or other forms of stress.
* **Option D:** Not a characteristic of apoptosis, as it is a feature of mitosis, the process of cell division.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Apoptosis plays a critical role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and preventing cancer. Dysregulation of apoptosis has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.

**Correct Answer:** D.