Multiple Choice
In the context of properties of the cell, what is the jelly-like substance inside the cell that surrounds organelles and is the site of many metabolic reactions?
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1. Overview of Cell Biology
Properties of the Cell
Multiple Choice
In the context of the properties of the cell, a fertilized egg cell (zygote) is considered a(n):
A
Haploid gamete containing a single set of chromosomes
B
Terminally differentiated somatic cell that can no longer divide
C
Totipotent cell capable of giving rise to all cell types of the organism (and extraembryonic tissues)
D
Multipotent cell restricted to forming only a limited range of related tissue types
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the definitions of the key terms related to cell potency and chromosome number. A haploid gamete contains a single set of chromosomes, while a diploid cell contains two sets.
Step 2: Recognize that a fertilized egg cell, or zygote, results from the fusion of two haploid gametes, thus it contains two sets of chromosomes, making it diploid rather than haploid.
Step 3: Review the concept of cell potency: totipotent cells can give rise to all cell types of the organism including extraembryonic tissues; multipotent cells can differentiate into a limited range of related cell types; terminally differentiated cells have lost the ability to divide or differentiate further.
Step 4: Apply this knowledge to the zygote, which is the earliest developmental stage and has the potential to develop into every cell type in the organism as well as extraembryonic tissues, fitting the definition of a totipotent cell.
Step 5: Conclude that the fertilized egg cell (zygote) is best described as a totipotent cell capable of giving rise to all cell types of the organism and extraembryonic tissues.
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