Chapter 9, Problem 1MC

A cell that remains capable of dividing throughout the life of an organism, and that produces daughter cells that can mature into any of several different cell types is a

1. a. cancerous cell.
2. b. differentiated cell.
3. c. stem cell.
4. d. gamete.

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Mitotic cell division is a method by which a single cell divides into two daughter cells. The two daughter cells each receive the genetic material present in the single parent cell. This duplication of a single cell into two occurs by a series of stages that is the life cycle of every single cell. The life cycle of every single cell begins and ends with cell division.

Answer to Problem 1MC

Correct answer:

A cell that remains capable of dividing throughout the life of an organism, and that produces daughter cells that can mature into any of several different cell types is a stem cell. Therefore, option (c) is correct.

Option (c) is given as “stem cell”.

Explanation of Solution

Justify reason for the correct statement:

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells, which have the ability to give rise to the same type of daughter cells. These daughter cells then undergo a differentiation process and give rise to different types of cells.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Justify reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option (a) is given as “cancerous cell”.

Cancer is the uncontrolled division or growth of the cells. Due to the uncontrolled division, a mass of cells is formed which is known as tumors. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (b) is given as “differentiated cell”.

Differentiated cells do not proliferate further. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (d) is given as “gamete”

A gamete is a product of cell division, it does not proliferate further. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

A stem cell is a cell that remains capable of dividing throughout the life and produces the same type of daughter cells.