What is a difference between a somatic cell and a gamete?
A) A somatic cell has a mitochondria, while a gamete lacks a mitochondria.
B) A somatic cell undergoes meiotic division, while a gamete undergoes mitotic division.
C) A somatic cell is diploid with 46 chromosomes, while a gamete is haploid with 23 chromosomes.
D) A somatic cell is responsible for reproduction, while a gamete is responsible for growth.
E) A somatic cell contains unpaired chromosomes, while a gamete contains homologous chromosomes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Somatic cells are diploid, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes (46 in humans), while gametes are haploid, meaning they have one set of chromosomes (23 in humans) because they undergo meiosis to divide into four haploid daughter cells. Therefore, option C is the correct choice. The other options are incorrect because:
A) Both somatic cells and gametes have mitochondria.
B) Somatic cells undergo mitotic division, while gametes undergo meiotic division.
D) Somatic cells are not responsible for reproduction; rather, they are involved in the growth, development, and maintenance of the body.
E) Both somatic cells and gametes contain homologous chromosomes.

What Is a Difference Between a Somatic Cell and a Gamete