Memory formation

dhw: Mindless obedience is the exact opposite of autonomy.

DAVID: But that is exactly what a self-driving autonomous car does! Follows programmed directions. […]

dhw: You have twisted the quote (which only mentioned the non-involvement of humans) in order to draw an analogy between programmed cars and your concept of programmed cells. I reject the analogy, (a) because I propose that cells are not programmed, and (b) because I challenge you to find a definition of the word “autonomous” which includes preprogramming and obeying instructions. You are making a mockery of language.

It is common usage. Self-driving cars have been referred to as 'automatic' which means autonomously to me. Cells run just as the cars do is my point, whatever the words are that we use..