Which of the following terms is used to refer to the breakdown or destruction of cells?

The term that refers to the breakdown or destruction of cells is lysis. Lysis specifically describes the process in which a cell's membrane is compromised, leading to the spilling of its contents and ultimately the death of the cell. This can occur due to various factors, such as viral infection, enzymatic activity, or physical disruption.

In contrast to lysis, necrosis refers to a form of cell death that occurs in response to injury or disease, characterized by uncontrolled cell swelling, bursting, and inflammation in the surrounding tissue. Apoptosis, on the other hand, is a programmed and controlled form of cell death that eliminates cells in a way that does not provoke an inflammatory response. Hyperplasia signifies an increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, which is not related to cell destruction but rather to the proliferation of healthy cells. Thus, lysis is the term most accurately associated with the breakdown or destruction of cells.