Chapter 20, Problem 1TY

The process whereby a cell’s morphology and function change is called

1. a. determination.
2. b. cell fate.
3. c. differentiation.
4. d. genetic engineering.
5. e. both a and c.

Summary Introduction

Introduction: Cell responds to positional information through four processes, namely cell division, cell migration, cell differentiation, and cell death. Cell differentiation is required during the development of the organism in order to ensure the maintenance of proper orientation and morphological form by the organism.

Answer to Problem 1TY

Correct answer: The morphology and function of a cell change by differentiation. Hence, the correct answer is option c.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for correct answer:

Cell differentiation allows cell to acquire a highly specialized functions permanently. Cell determination, which usually occurs during the earlier stages of development, determines the fate of cells. Followed by, differentiation occurs during the later stages of development in order to ensure the production of various tissues that are found in the fully developed organism. Undifferentiated cells undergo cell differentiation to yield cells that possess a specific structure and function. Hence, the morphology and function of a cell changes by differentiation.

Option c. is given as “differentiation”.

The process by which a cell’s morphology and function change is called differentiation. Hence, the correct answer is option c.

Reasons for incorrect answer:

Option a. is given as, “determination”.

Cell determination is the process by which the fate of cells is determined. A complex interaction of signals, cofactors, and transcriptional factors help in determining the role that each cell will play in the fully developed organism. Cells get committed to become a particular cell type and to play a specific role in the adult organism. This does not lead to changes in morphology or function. By cell determination, only the fate is decided and the cells are still in an undifferentiated state. Hence, option a. is incorrect.

Option b. is given as, “cell fate”.

Cell fate refers to the role that particular cells will play in a mature organism. Cell fate is determined by a process called cell determination. Cell fate does not describe a process. This term describes the role that the cells are committed to play in an organism. Hence, option b. is incorrect.

Option d. is given as, “genetic engineering”.

Genetic engineering refers to the process of manipulation of the genetic content of an organism artificially. Such modified organisms perform the functions and express the proteins desired by the scientist. Changes may be induced in the morphology and function of cells as a result of genetic engineering, but such changes occur after the gene product has been expressed. Genetic engineering does not directly lead to changes in morphology and function of the cells. Hence, option d. is incorrect.

Option e. is given as, “both a and c”.

Option c. is correct because undifferentiated cells undergo cell differentiation to yield cells with specific structure and function. Hence, the morphology and function of a cell change by differentiation. Cell determination does not lead to changes in the morphology or function. In cell determination process, only the fate is decided and the cells are still in an undifferentiated state. Thus option a. is incorrect. Hence, option e. is incorrect.

Hence, the options a., b., d. and e. are incorrect.

Conclusion

Thus, undifferentiated cells undergo cell differentiation to yield cells having a specific structure and function. Hence, the morphology and function of a cell change by differentiation.